GradsMatch

    Guide

    Online Master's in Computer Science Programs

    A continuously updated list of fully online master's programs in Computer Science. Compare tuition, credits, and length across accredited US universities.

    Last updated: April 17, 2026

    Georgia Tech's OMSCS, launched in 2014, proved that a top-ranked CS master's could work fully online - and at one-fifth the price of its on-campus equivalent. A decade later, dozens of accredited US universities offer fully online MS CS programs, and employers no longer treat the format as a downgrade. The trade-off has shifted: you save tens of thousands of dollars and study around your job, but you lose access to F-1 visa eligibility (which matters if you need US work authorization after graduation).

    GradsMatch currently tracks 4 fully online MS Computer Science programs with verified data. Median total tuition is $32,040.00, across a typical 180-credit curriculum.

    All online MS CS programs (cheapest first)

    ProgramSchoolCreditsTotal cost
    High Performance Computing (Online Learning) MScUniversity of EdinburghEdinburgh, GB180$19,100.00
    Electrical and Computer Engineering Masters OnlinePurdue University West LafayetteWest Lafayette, US30$28,500.00
    High Performance Computing with Data Science (Online Learning) MScUniversity of EdinburghEdinburgh, GB180$32,040.00
    Computer ScienceVanderbilt UniversityNashville, US30$72,570.00

    Frequently asked questions

    Are online MS CS programs respected by employers?
    For most software, data, and engineering employers, the school's reputation matters more than whether you attended in person. Programs like Georgia Tech's OMSCS, UT Austin's MSCSO, and University of Illinois's MCS-DS produce graduates who go to the same companies as on-campus students at the same schools - often into the same teams. Employers care about the credential and your skills, not the delivery format.
    How much do online MS CS programs cost compared to on-campus?
    Online programs are usually significantly cheaper, often by 40-70%. Georgia Tech's OMSCS is the famous example at ~$8,000 total vs. ~$45,000 for on-campus. The reason: schools save on physical infrastructure and can scale enrollment, and many states require lower tuition for online programs taught by their public universities.
    Can international students do online MS CS programs?
    Yes, but with one major caveat: online-only programs typically don't qualify for an F-1 student visa or post-graduation OPT/STEM-OPT work authorization. If you need US work eligibility after graduation, an in-person or hybrid program is almost always the right choice. If you'll work in your home country, online is fine.
    How long do online MS CS programs take?
    Most online MS CS programs are part-time and designed for working professionals. Typical completion is 2-4 years, taking 1-2 courses per semester. A few accelerated full-time tracks can finish in 12-18 months, but they're the exception.
    Do online MS CS programs require the GRE?
    Most no longer do. The shift accelerated post-2020. See our companion guide on no-GRE master's programs for the full list across all fields.