Pursuing an affordable online PhD in computer science opens up exciting possibilities. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s “Educational Attainment in the United States 2017” report, less than 3% in the US have a doctorate. Obtaining your Ph.D. can elevate you to the top of your field. If you want to be a cut above the rest, have opportunities in the newest technologies, and use your expert abilities to grow and work in the field you love, completing a Ph.D. in computer science online is right for you.
There are many areas of specialty in the computer sciences. One of the newest and trending is in artificial intelligence. With a doctorate in CS, there is an opportunity to work in this field to ensure the safest and most reliable research and development. If you desire to teach computer science at the college level, obtaining this Ph.D. is often required, and you can get a job in almost any technological school. With an online doctorate of CS, you will be researching the most advanced topics in the field. Many US Ph.D. in computer science degrees are taken online due to the independence it allows working professionals. The programs are comparable to the courses taken at a brick-and-mortar college, and you leave with a Ph.D. from the college providing online learning.
Related:
Benefits of Taking Online Classes for Credit
Degrees Included in This Ranking:
- Online Ph.D. in Information Systems
- Ph.D. in Computer Science Online
- Online Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Technology
- Online Computer and Information Science Ph.D
- Online Electrical and Computer Engineering PhD
- Ph.D. Online in Computer Science and Engineering
- Online Ph.D. in Information Technology
- Online Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Technology
Ranking the 20 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhD Programs
This list comprises the 20 Most Affordable Ph.D. in Computer Science Programs Online for 2019. Colleges are listed by tuition. Tuitions were taken from the NCES College Navigator tool. Only universities with a PhD in Computer Science with an Online Option were considered. Consider the following online PhD programs in computer science:
Note: This ranking was originally published in February 2019 and was last updated in September 2023. The 2023 updates may affect the ranking order, but the list has not been re-ordered.
#20 Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering
Online PhD Computer Science
Baltimore, MD
Website
Tuition: $60,480
For over 140 years, students and faculty at Johns Hopkins have joined discovery and innovation efforts. This has led to incredible achievements, such as:
- Inventing the first rubber gloves used for surgeries
- Creating the first supersonic RamJet engine
- Helping with the research in developing the Polio vaccine
- Landing the first spacecraft onto an asteroid
Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering matches Ph.D. candidates with faculty advisors based on mutual research interests, as well as setting up a Ph.D. committee of three for each student to give cogent advice to them throughout the program. You can expect to receive a strong, independent research skill set and be able to develop your skills and reputation as a member of the research community. This flexible program has a 100% online computer science Ph.D. program option.
The computer science Ph.D. program takes about 5-6 years in total, though the duration varies depending on the student and the advisor.
As far as financial support, as long as you remain in full-time student status and are in good academic standing, you will be given full support – in the form of either a Research Assistantship (RA) or a Teaching Assistantship (TA) – for the duration of your online CS Ph.D. Johns Hopkins Department of Computer Science’s website gives an in-depth look at its financial support setup.
When you leave JHU’s online computer science program, you will be well-equipped and ready to work amongst the greatest in the field. Microsoft, Google, Intel, and Apple aggressively recruit their graduates.
#19 Columbia University
Ph.D. Computer Science Online
New York, NY
Website
Tuition: $52,016
Columbia University was founded in 1754. It is the 5th oldest university in the United States.
Columbia Engineering, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science has over 50 faculty awards and honors, including a Faraday Medal (IET) and a National Cyber Security Hall of Fame spot. It is in the Top 15 in the Computer Sciences Rankings For Colleges. They had four papers presented at Crypto2018 and four new algorithms accepted to the Foundations of Computer Science (FCS) symposium.
Columbia offers a broad range of upper-level courses, such as:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Databases
- Computer Architecture
- Computational Complexity and the Analysis of Algorithms
Although Ph.D. students must be on campus during the fall and spring semesters, they receive full funding from either a Columbia University Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) position or an external fellowship. A total of ten courses are required. All ten courses must be completed by the end of the fifth semester at the pace of two courses per semester.
#18 Syracuse University
Online Computer and Information Science Ph.D. or Online Electrical and Computer Engineering PhD
Syracuse, NY
Website
Tuition: $43,425
Syracuse University is a private research university with distinctive offerings. It has a College of Engineering of Computer Science that stresses its enthusiasm for the cutting-edge opportunities available in global and social issues by stating these fundamental attributes of Syracuse engineers and computer scientists: “Inquisitive. Creative. Solutionist.” Their Ph.D. program offers computer and information science (CISE) and electrical and computer engineering (ECE) degrees. Graduates will leave with a command of recalling, comprehending, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating ideas. They will also be able to communicate ideas effectively and write papers, dissertations, and proposals professionally and well-written. Lastly, they will be able to present technical presentations clearly and accurately.
A student in the CISE doctoral program must demonstrate competence by completing coursework in at least three of the following areas:
- Algorithms
- Architecture
- Artificial Intelligence
- Hardware Systems
- Logic and Theory of Computation
- Operating Systems
- Programming Languages and Compilers
- Software Systems
The current doctoral program is comprised of a total of 52 credits–48 in technical courses and four in non-technical courses.
#17 University of Pennsylvania
Online Ph.D. in Computer and Information Science
Philadelphia, PA
Website
Tuition: $39,838
“Penn has a long and proud tradition of intellectual rigor and pursuit of innovative knowledge. . . That tradition lives today through the creativity, entrepreneurship, and engagement of our faculty, students, and staff.”
–Dr. Amy Gutmann, former President of the University of Pennsylvania
In the field of computer science, Penn Engineering offers a CIS (computer and information science) doctorate. Not only does the doctoral program offer the disciplines related to modern information processing, but it also has a research department that expands interests in topics such as:
- Robotics
- Vision
- Natural Language Processing
- Databases
- Formal Methods
- Real-time Systems
- Computer Architecture
- Machine Learning
- Programming Languages
- Graphics
- Network Security
- Software Engineering
- Bioinformatics
It also offers collaborations with departments like:
- Biology
- Genetics
- Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Electrical Engineering
Students develop their own advanced study focus while working with mentors from the University.
CIS benchmarks for satisfactory progress towards the Ph.D.:
- CIS Ph.D. Program Requirements
- Enrollment/Worksheet
- Research Affiliation Process
- Written Preliminary Examination (WPE) I and II
- Teaching Practicum
- Thesis Proposal Approval
- Thesis Proposal Defense
- Scheduling and Announcements of Public Presentations
- Defense of the Dissertation
Penn Computer and Information Science is a research leader in several areas and has influenced products from Apple and Google.
#16 Clarkson University
PhD in Computer Science Online
Potsdam, NY
Tuition: $36,792
Clarkson prides itself on understanding the variety of students entering the graduate program. Whether an entrepreneur, parent, future doctor, or teacher, a Ph.D. degree in computer science is attainable through this flexible program. Clarkson offers a distance Ph.D. in computer science. They also offer full-time or part-time, depending on what works best for you. Their courses range from theoretical to the applied. This university is known worldwide for data analytics, STEM, and entrepreneurial education, all while allowing students to pursue their individual interests. Clarkson’s network spans over 380 active partners in industry, government agencies, chambers of commerce, and research organizations.
The requirements for their Ph.D. in computer science are:
- A minimum of 90 credit hours earned for graduate courses numbered 500 and higher, including at least 36 credit hours of classroom and instructional laboratory coursework (this is above the university minimum of 24).
- A minimum of 6 credit hours from a research seminar.
- A maximum of 30 credit hours of graduate transfer credit from an MS degree with grades of a B or higher may be accepted toward the degree.
- At least three full academic years of study beyond the baccalaureate degree, with at least two years in residence in Clarkson.
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 in courses used to meet graduation requirements.
- The doctorate must be completed within two years of full-time study.
- Doctoral candidates must complete an original research project submitted as a written thesis to be orally presented and approved before a committee of at least five faculty members.
- All work for the Ph.D. degree must be completed within seven years after admission to candidacy.
A Clarkson education was placed in the top 10 universities nationwide for increasing their students’ lifetime earnings potential by the independent think tank, The Brookings Institution.
#15 Penn State University
Ph.D. Online in Computer Science and Engineering
University Park, PA
Website
Tuition: $24,466
Penn State’s College of Information System Technology offers diverse academic backgrounds ranging from Computer Science to Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Philosophy, and more. Penn State has one of the largest graduate school programs, with around 14,000 students. The Information System Technology Program offers graduate degrees and certificates that are industry-focused and practitioner-informed through Penn State World Campus’s Online Learning. Students must take between 21-33 credits depending on whether they come in with an MS or not.
Financially, Penn State helps its students keep it affordable with its educational platform called GradSense. It’s available to help prospective students make the most fiscally responsible education choices. All Ph.D. students are also funded in their first year through research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or fellowships. These assistantships include a stipend for living expenses, full tuition coverage, and health benefits. Historically, students have been funded through their 4-year program, dependent upon their academic status. So, this is an affordable option as well.
#14 Nova Southeastern University
Ph.D. in Computer Science Online
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Website
Tuition: $22,062
NSU’s College of Engineering and Computing has distinct specializations and a top-notch national reputation. They moved up seven rankings this year to #191 in US News and World Report’s Best Colleges 2019. NSU proudly holds spots in CEC’s best-ranked online colleges and NAS’s Top 10 Cyber Security colleges list.
The Ph.D. in computer science online program is very compatible with those in industry, education, or government who are involved with one of the areas of computer science or information technology. It is offered fully online. Concentrations in the graduate programs cover fields of urgent need, such as:
- cyber security
- software engineering
- data science
NSU stays up to date with the ever-changing industry. You will leave with the ability to develop creative solutions to real-world problems.
#13 University of Minnesota
Online PhD Computer Science
Minneapolis, MN
Website
Tuition: $18,468
The University of Minnesota is number eight in research among all US public universities and was ranked by Forbes as one of the top ten educational employers in the nation.
University of Minnesota’s computer science and engineering program has led in forming several industrial consortia, such as the Center for Research in Intelligent Storage (CRIS) and the Safety, Security, Rescue Research Center (SSR-RC). They hold awards and honors in teaching and research nationally and globally. Their CS&E program graduates nearly 500 students yearly, including about 25 with a doctorate in computer science. It also receives generous support from the local industry through the Industry Advisory Council (IAC), a group of industry representatives working with the department to enhance its educational, research, and student placement efforts.
The graduate program in computer science offers coursework from across a broad spectrum of theoretical and applied computer science, combined with research opportunities in nearly all field areas. Faculty members teach students many computer studies, from algorithms to artificial intelligence, to software engineering and many more. Finally, students may choose a course of study that integrates research in computer science with applications in other fields. The University of Minnesota prepares students to meet the great challenges of the nation and the world.
#12 Capella University
Online Ph.D. in Information Technology / Doctor of Information Technology
Minneapolis, MN
Website
Tuition: $14,826
Capella University is acknowledged by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security as a national center of academic excellence in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense for academic years 2014–2021. Capella’s online programs are accredited by the Project Management Institute’s (PMI®) Global Accreditation Center for Project Management (PMI-GAC).
Ph.D. in Information Technology / Doctor of Information Technology Specializations:
- Information Technology
- Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
- Information Technology Education
- Project Management
Capella also offers a $5000 Doctorate of Information Technology Scholarship.
#11 Colorado Technical Institute
Ph.D. in Computer Science Online
Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Technical Institute’s mission statement is to provide industry-relevant higher education to a diverse student population through innovative technology and experienced faculty, enabling the pursuit of personal and professional goals. CTI’s online degree program has been ranked on the Best Online Programs lists by U.S. News and World Report, named among the Military Times Best: Colleges 2018, and a 2018 WOW Recipient.
Colorado Technical Institute offers an online Ph.D. in computer science degree program with a schedule that is flexible and helps you build your classes around your schedule. There are also grants and scholarships available upon qualifications, so it can be affordable and attainable. CTU’s doctorate in computer science degree program gives an in-depth study of specialized subjects, which will allow you to predict trends and contribute to your expertise.
Colorado Technical Institute offers a computer science doctorate in several niches. The coursework is rigorous and challenging, but you’ll have online tools and mentors to help you master the material in a timely manner, ideally in just three years.
Doctorate in computer science specializations:
- Big Data Analytics
- Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
- Enterprise Information Systems
- General (DCS)
Doctorate in computer science requirements:
- An online curriculum with a residency component
- Multiple start dates throughout the year
- An opportunity to complete the program in three years
- Dissertation development integrated into the program
- In-person symposium experiences
Tuition: $13,393
#10 University of South Carolina
Ph.D. in Computer Science Online
Columbia, SC
The College of Engineering and Computing was established in 1961 and offers many degrees in many different technological facets. Graduates can have careers in many sectors. Some go on to be entrepreneurs, others work in cyber-security, while others work with artificial intelligence, and the list goes on. Many of the projects and research performed in this Ph.D. course are supported by government agencies or are collaborative efforts with local industries. The University of South Carolina is one of the top 25 graduate programs according to national publications such as US News and World Report.
Degree Requirements: 60 post-baccalaureate hours.
Tuition: $12,854
#9 University of Rhode Island
Ph.D. in Computer Science Online
Kingston, RI
URI’s Ph.D. in computer science department serves undergraduates and postgraduates, including PhDs. The Ph.D. in computer science online is a research degree that provides the opportunity to complete a major research project that enhances the field of computer science. Their curriculum provides the expertise needed for a career in research-based innovation. Graduate courses are offered at convenient times for professionals. Students in the Ph.D. program typically conduct a major research project with one of the university’s research groups to produce new intellectual contributions to the computer science field.
Tuition: $12,854
#8 University of California, Berkeley
Online PhD Computer Science
Berkeley, CA
The University of California was founded in 1868. It has an impressive list of academic achievements and rankings. In the new rankings, Berkeley’s graduate programs placed first in the world from US News and World Report, including their Ph.D. program in computer science. Berkeley graduates have gone on to achieve high endeavors such as 20 Nobel Prizes, 30 recipients of the National Medal of Science and over 250 founders of companies. Graduate students represent 92 countries and all 50 states.
Berkeley’s EECS graduate programs have been ranked first and second in the US for excellence.
Berkeley’s graduates are highly satisfied with their education, and as a result, rank them very high on rating scale:
- 90% overall (and 85% of those who pursued non-academic careers) say they were well prepared for their careers by Berkeley
- 95% overall (and 93% of those who pursued non-academic careers) would pursue a doctoral degree again
- 86% would select the same field of study
- 95% would choose graduate study at Berkeley if they could start again
Tuition: $11,502
#7 Capitol Technical University
Online Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Technology
Laurel, MD
Capitol Technology University is a STEM-focused institution of higher education providing undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, information sciences, and technology leadership. CTU’s degrees offer flexibility with opportunities to grow and adapt to emerging workforce needs.
Capitol Technical University has three Ph.D. programs focusing on technology. Cybersecurity (DSc), technology Ph.D., and a technology combination program MS/Ph.D. (a unique program that offers a combination of a Ph.D. in technology and a master of science in research methods.)
Graduates will be positioned to contribute significantly to their fields by creating new knowledge and ideas. They’ll learn a skill set that will give them the tools to easily research and publish findings and present them in an accurate and professional manner.
Students work with Capitol Technical University first, then work independently on a research topic of publishable quality. They will gain knowledge in legal, political ethics and social aspects of their field. Some of CTU’s graduates are employed at government agencies and large corporations. Others have started their own tech companies. Out of hundreds of top-notch employers, a few standouts are the Department of Defense, Honeywell, and Lockheed Martin.
Tuition: $10,800
#6 Indiana University Bloomington
Ph.D. in Computer Science Online
Bloomington, IN
Maybe you immediately think of Hoosiers and basketball when you hear Indiana University. Along with that notoriety, Indiana University boasts of many other diverse achievements. Crest toothpaste was developed by three IU researchers. Olympic gold medalist Mark Spitz came from IU, as did Nobel prize winners Mark Cuban (American businessman and owner of the Mavericks basketball team), a dozen pro-sports players, and actors and actresses like Oscar-winning actor Steve Tesich.
This University has a computer department that is very competitive with other universities. Indiana University has a world-class faculty with expertise in foundations such as algorithms, programming languages, parallel and distributed systems, cloud computing, networks, hardware, data mining, machine learning, intelligent systems, and security. The cross-disciplinary approach exposes you not only to the latest research in high-performance computing, data and search, artificial intelligence, and computer security, but also gives you the opportunity to apply those insights to real-world problems, from controlling pandemic disease to tracking the effects of climate change on polar ice.
Tuition: $8,956
#5 Northcentral University
Online PhD Computer Science
San Diego, CA
Northcentral University’s Ph.D. in technology and innovation management, specializing in computer science, is a 100% online program. Its specialization in teaching how a computer functions from the inside out, giving the inside track to understand the foundational technology in any information system fully. The NCU Ph.D. program students are mentored by PhDs who are specialists in the field because they are 100% doctoral faculty. Students also receive practical experience by being in the online classroom with exposure to the research community and, in turn, receive chances to present at conferences and seminars.
This is one of the most flexible universities we reviewed, offering weekly course starts, no scheduled lecture hours, no group assignments, weekly assignments, and the ability to schedule courses around a student’s personal and professional obligations. There is not a requirement to start at the beginning of a semester. North Central University does not require students to be on campus at all. This makes it easy for working professionals, as well as for military personnel and international students who will not have to relocate. North Central’s programs provide students with the opportunity to partner with a member of their 100% doctoral faculty in each of the courses. During the online Ph.D. in the computer science program, the student focuses their research on contributing new knowledge and theory to the body of knowledge in their field. North Central University offers two programs in computer science. They have an applied doctorate program where the student will focus their research on the practical application of knowledge and theory that already exists within their field. If a student is considering continuing their work in their field of choice by implementing their research in the field, the applied doctorate might be the right choice. If the student plans to contribute to their field through research and analysis, the Ph.D. program seems like the right choice.
Tuition: $8,550
#4 Mississippi State University
Ph.D. in Computer Science Online
Mississippi State, MS
Website
Tuition: $9,398
Mississippi State ranks among the top 50 best colleges in the South in Money Magazine’s “Best Colleges for Your Money” 2017 listing.
MSU is in the top 9 schools in the U.S. to hold all three of the National Security Agency’s centers of academic excellence awards. They are working closely with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and their researchers are using big-data analytics and high-performance computing to solve some of the nation’s top cybersecurity problems. Fixed on defeating the full spectrum of cyber attacks, Mississippi State’s National Science Foundation CyberCorps program is the 3rd largest in the country. The Department of Computer Science and Engineering has a strong presence in computing. The Miss. State Ph.D. specializes in research in traditional areas of computer science, cross-specialty areas, and interdisciplinary projects.
Recent graduates hold jobs at places like:
- Microsoft Research
- Palo Alto Research Center
- Verari Systems Software
- Fairmont State University
- Jackson State University
- Mississippi Valley State University
- Nova Southeastern University
- Tennessee Tech University
#3 Aspen University
Online PhD Computer Science
Denver, Colorado
Website
Tuition: $3,900
Aspen’s Doctor of Science in Computer Science offers a responsibly priced distance Ph.D. in computer science. The program builds an understanding of theoretical concepts and practical applications of computer science in the context of advanced research and analysis methods relating to computer architecture and software design. Aspen also offers a special series of courses designed to aid them in developing, researching, and writing the doctoral dissertation.
Aspen offers tuition rates low enough that most of their students can afford to pay their tuition in cash or through a monthly payment plan, enabling their students to gain a financially responsible Ph.D.
#2 University of Utah
Ph.D. in Computer Science Online
Salt Lake City, Utah
Website
Tuition: $7,353
Dozens of University of Utah’s academic programs, including computer science, rank in the top 100 by U.S. News & World Report. About 50 students a year enter the Ph.D. program at the University of Utah. This University offers eight different tracks of computer science. These are:
- Computer Engineering
- Data Management and Analysis
- Graphics and Visualization
- Human-centered Computing (HCC) Track
- Image Analysis
- Networked Systems
- Robotics
- Scientific Computing
At least 50 hours of graduate coursework is required for the Ph.D. degree in computer science. This must comprise at least 27 hours of regular graduate coursework and at least 14 semester hours of dissertation research. Independent study and seminars cannot be used as part of the required 50 hours. Of the required 27 semester hours of regular courses, up to six hours may be graduate-level courses outside of the School of Computing.
#1 Dakota State University
Online Ph.D. in Information Systems
Madison, SD
Tuition: (in-state) $5,999; (out-of-state) $11,199
Dakota State University specializes in computer management, computer information systems, and other related undergraduate and graduate programs. DSU started in 1881 as a school for teacher education, and it makes sure to keep that as a central focus, along with many other offerings now as well.
Related:
PhD Computer and Information Systems Security Online
PhD Management Information Systems Online
What is the Difference Between an Information Tech and a Computer Science Degree?
DSU offers three doctorates: a doctor of philosophy in cyber operations a doctor of philosophy in information systems, and a doctor of philosophy in computer science. There is an online option available through Dakota State University. Their distance Ph.D. in computer science allows students to take online courses. Students use various resources like DSU’s course management system and Desire2Learn to get assignments, lecture notes, and exams. Students schedule and work with their classmates in a virtual classroom.
Through these advanced graduate courses, Dakota State University students learn about:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Programming Languages
- Mobile Applications
- Computer Networks
- Cybersecurity
- Information Assurance
- Office Automation
- Bioinformatics
- Software Development
- Data Mining
- Database Management Systems
Graduate coursework in operations research is offered and may be used to provide an operations research concentration to the Ph.D. program. Admissions to the Graduate College is a selective process based on those who are outstanding among recipients of baccalaureate degrees.
A distance Ph.D. in computer science from DSU is a great investment and is billed hourly. That means you’ll always only pay for the number of classes you can take. According to College Navigator, Dakota State University is the cheapest online Ph.D. in computer science.
BONUS:
Online Ph.D. in Systems Engineering (SEPhD)
Monterey, CA
The mission of the computer science program is to provide relevant and unique advanced education and research programs to increase the effectiveness of the US and Allied Armed Forces. The Naval Post-Graduate School provides officers who use computational processes to analyze and design solutions to complex problems.
- Cyber Security & Defense CSD
- Network and Mobility
- Autonomous Systems and Data Science
- Software Engineering
- Cyber Operations
- Model and Simulation
Tuition: $0 (Acceptance provided almost exclusively to officers of the US Armed Forces)
Earning Your Online Ph.D. in Computer Science FAQ:
What are my opportunities for a career with a computer science Ph.D. online?
- Contract R&D organizations
- Government laboratories
- Lockheed-Martin, Pfizer, and Ford have high-tech or internal R&D sections that do PhD-level computer science work
- Professor in any major tech university
- Startup companies and consulting firms
- Finance companies and hedge funds
- Secure the teaching faculty position in some reputable institution
- Postdoc research and publish papers and research articles
- Dynamic organization working in the field of hardware and software development
- Own a software house and explore the new and innovative software ideas
- Organization working in the field of robotics and artificial intelligence
- Google, Inc., Apple Computer, Inc., Microsoft Corp
- Software engineer
- Research scientist
- Senior data scientist
- Staff software engineer
- Computer scientist
- Principal software engineer
What can I expect to earn annually?
Expect to earn salaries of at least $105,000, potentially earning up to $150,000 and beyond.
How long will it take to complete my Ph.D. in computer science online?
The average time it will take for your Ph.D. is between 5–7 years. You should be able to do it in 3–4 years. 10 years is the maximum number of years most schools will allow you to complete a Ph.D. Time will vary depending on students’ schedules, their field requirements, and their chosen school.
Resources
- NCES: College Navigator
CVO Staff
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- What is the Difference Between an Information Tech and a Computer Science Degree?