Best Accelerated Online Computer Science Degrees 2026
Computer science is an interdisciplinary field focused on computing theory, computer technologies, information systems, and their uses. It is a popular major and highly relevant in the modern economy and labor force.
A traditional bachelor’s degree in computer science takes about four years of study, but you can reduce that timeline by enrolling in an accelerated program. These study paths move at a faster pace, helping you graduate and get into the job market more quickly.
Explore the features and advantages of an accelerated computer science degree, and connect with featured programs from accredited providers.
Why Earn Your Accelerated Computer Science Degree Online
- Earn a degree with high demand among employers.
- Save money with a shorter graduation timeline.
- Balance school and other commitments with a flexible online program.
- Enter the tech workforce sooner, boosting your lifetime earning potential.
Top 5 Accelerated Online Computer Science Degrees
College of Our Lady of the Elms — Highest Graduation and Retention Rates
- Chicopee, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why It's a Top Program
The College of Our Lady of the Elms — also known as Elms College — boasts the highest graduation and retention rates on our list. Of the bachelor’s degree-seeking students who began their studies in fall 2022, 76% returned in fall 2023. Additionally, 65% of full-time, first-time students graduated within the normal completion timeline for their program. These rates indicate a high level of student satisfaction, belonging, and support at Elms College.
Elms College's computer science bachelor’s program requires just 45 core curriculum credits and six elective credits. Online students can typically complete the program in about 10 months via accelerated eight-week sessions.
What to Expect
- If your family makes less than $85,000 per year, you may be eligible for full tuition coverage.
- Gain hands-on experience with internships in the New England area, if desired.
- While Elms College’s core values and mission are rooted in Catholicism, the school welcomes students from all religious traditions and backgrounds.
How to Enroll
Undergraduate students can apply via the Elms College website or the Common App. Include your high school transcript or GED score in your application. A personal statement, letters of recommendation, and test scores are optional. There is no application fee, and you can apply online at any time.
52%
$40,095
76%
$40,095
- Acceptance Rate
- 89%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,268
- Institution Type
- Private
Norwich University — Most Selective Admissions
- Northfield, VT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why It's a Top Program
Norwich University stands out for its 74% undergraduate acceptance rate, making it the most selective school on our list. Attending a more selective school can indicate a more rigorous curriculum and help you stand out in job searches.
Norwich's online BS in computer science and information systems culminates with a capstone course. A bachelor’s degree program at Norwich requires 120 semester credits, including transfer credits.
What to Expect
- NU is the country’s oldest private military college, but you don’t need to be associated with the military to be a student.
- A student services advisor will assist you throughout your program.
- Technical support is available 24/7 for online students.
How to Enroll
To enroll in a computer science program at Norwich University, include your official transcripts and/or proof of high school/GED completion. If you have a military background, include your military training transcripts (Joint Services Transcript/CCAF) in your application.
47%
$46,860
69%
$46,860
- Acceptance Rate
- 74%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,274
- Institution Type
- Private
Regis University — Lowest Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- Denver, CO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why It's a Top Program
Regis University’s 9-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio is the lowest on our list, indicating small class sizes and a more personalized learning experience for students.
Regis’s accelerated online computer science program is ABET-accredited and allows you to earn your BS in flexible, 8-week intervals. You can also enroll in Regis’s FastForward program, which enables you to earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science concurrently.
What to Expect
- Transfer up to 66 eligible credits.
- Start your program in January, March, May, June, August, or October.
- Regis University is rooted in Jesuit Catholic traditions, but welcomes students from various backgrounds.
How to Enroll
Admission requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent and official transcripts from prior colleges (for transfer students). Work experience is not necessary, but it may be accepted as college credit in some circumstances.
60%
$41,990
72%
$41,990
- Acceptance Rate
- 86%
- Students Enrolled
- 4,627
- Institution Type
- Private
Western Governors University — Best Value Computer Science Program
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Why It's a Top Program
Western Governors University's computer science program offers the best value on our list for a few reasons. WGU’s tuition per six-month term is $4,125, which helps students track the overall cost of their degree and spend less than they might with per-credit pricing. WGU also boasts the lowest net tuition cost of our five featured schools.
WGU computer science graduates report an average salary increase of $24,565 per year upon completing their degree program. WGU's online computer science program is ABET-accredited.
What to Expect
- Prepare to earn multiple industry-recognized certifications.
- Enroll in an accelerated computer science bachelor’s and master’s programs concurrently, reducing your time to completion.
- Sixty-two percent of graduates in similar programs complete their studies within 25 months.
How to Enroll
WGU offers an open admissions policy, meaning you can apply at any time. Submit your high school diploma (or equivalent), any prior college transcripts, and any experience you have with precalculus with your application. If you don’t have precalculus experience, you can fulfill this requirement by completing a course through WGU Academy.
N/A
$7,710
62%
$7,710
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 185,015
- Institution Type
- Private
Wilmington University — Most Customizable Computer Science Program
- New Castle, DE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why It's a Top Program
WilmU's computer science program features the most customizable curriculum on our list, thanks to its artificial intelligence and data analytics concentration options. While declaring a concentration is optional, it allows you to add 18 credits of specific coursework to your program and gain experience in a computer science niche before graduating. WilmU allows you to complete dual-credit courses that apply to other programs.
What to Expect
- Earn academic credit for professional experience and licenses and certifications you already hold.
- Consider the school’s experiential learning options, such as internships.
- Join over 17,000 students who study online at Wilmington University.
How to Enroll
Wilmington University offers an open admissions policy, meaning you can apply at any time. To enroll, complete your application online and submit any official transcripts. Transfer students with fewer than 15 transferable credits are required to submit a high school diploma with graduation date or GED score. Most students are not required to include SAT and ACT scores.
85%
$12,270
54%
$12,270
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 14,678
- Institution Type
- Private
Why Accreditation Matters
When researching online computer science degrees, be sure to check whether the schools are accredited. Accreditation is essentially a formal stamp of approval for schools and academic programs, indicating that they’ve met certain quality standards.
When a school is accredited, you can rest assured it offers quality academics, financial aid resources, and effective student services.
Many top computer science programs hold programmatic accreditation from ABET. That said, programmatic accreditation is not as critical to computer science education as it is to state-regulated fields like nursing and psychology.
How Do Accelerated Computer Science Degrees Work?
A computer science accelerated program typically features intensive courses lasting 7-8 weeks. These classes cover the same content as those in a traditional 15-week semester.
With two terms per semester, usually including the summer, accelerated programs can offer up to six short terms per year.
Online accelerated computer science degree programs normally cater to working students. Depending on whether you opt for a part- or full-time course load, you can expect to earn your computer science degree online in 2-4 years.
Popular Concentrations Within Computer Science
- Information technology
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Cybersecurity and information security
- Network and systems administration
- Blockchain technology
- Programming
- Software development or engineering
- Graphics and visual computing
- Web and mobile development
- Cloud computing
- Game development
Is a Computer Science Degree Worth It?
$13,444
Average annual tuition for an online CS degree (2020)
$102,033
Average starting salary for CS majors (2023)
+9%
Projected growth for tech jobs (2024-2034)
Computer science students graduate into one of the strongest job markets of any academic discipline. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster-than-average growth for computer and information technology jobs over the next decade, while the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) found that computer science graduates from the class of 2023 landed six-figure average starting salaries.
The artificial intelligence (AI) boom may have mixed impacts on the computer science job market. On one hand, observers expect that many entry-level, coding-heavy roles will become automated. On the other hand, the rapid rise of AI technologies has created exciting new specializations and career pathways.
If labor market uncertainty is a concern for you, consider targeting computer science skills relevant to the emerging AI economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Difficulty is always relative, so the answer will differ from person to person. To succeed in a computer science program, you need a strong command of math and logic, along with excellent problem-solving skills.
If you have these aptitudes, the material may come more naturally. You can also improve in these areas through diligent study and regular practice.
