A computer information systems associate degree online can set up a booming career in a sector expecting growth at 11%—much faster than the national average according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Even with ample career opportunities ahead, it pays to do research before enrolling. The difference in tuition between the most economic and most expensive online computer information systems associate degree can reach over $47,000. An associate degree’s professional worth has to balance with the cost of the program as it pertains to each individual student. Many entry-level positions require more than just an associate degree, but with so many AA and AS transfer degree options, as well as vocational AAS programs, an online computer information systems associate degree is a great place to start.
GetEducated compared 50 online computer information systems associate degrees from 48 regionally accredited schools to create this “Best Buy” ranking. These rankings reveal the most affordable options in the United States—31 options for a computer information systems associate degree online at a reasonable and accessible price.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$14,500
Least Expensive: Palomar College ~ $2,864
Most Expensive: Davenport University ~ $50,240
Our data-driven research creates a truly reliable system of scientific rankings. There are no fancy formulas here. We meticulously calculate total full-time tuition—including any fees—for the most accurate total cost. Our rankings cannot be bought, and therefore factually showcase the cheapest computer information systems associate degree online. The online CIS degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official 2020 “Best Buys” and cost less than the national average.
Most Affordable Computer Information Systems Associate Degree Online
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Palomar College | (CA) | $2,864.00 $20,264.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Clovis Community College | (NM) | $3,840.00 $7,260.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | Santa Barbara City College | (CA) | $4,020.00 $16,380.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | Trident Technical College | (SC) | $5,095.40 $21,497.60 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 | Bladen Community College | (NC) | $5,407.00 $18,271.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 | Rowan-Cabarrus Community College | (NC) | $5,632.00 $18,880.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | Lenoir Community College | (NC) | $5,650.00 $19,090.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | Nash Community College | (NC) | $5,796.00 $19,428.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
9 | Cochise County Community College District | (AZ) | $5,824.00 $9,792.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
10 | Seminole State College of Florida | (FL) | $6,793.80 $23,443.20 | In-State Out-of-State |
11 | Metropolitan Community College Area | (NE) | $6,958.00 $10,192.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
12 | Arkansas State University-Beebe | (AR) | $7,800.00 $11,940.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
13 | Tulsa Community College | (OK) | $7,973.00 $21,473.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
14 | Laramie County Community College | (WY) | $8,865.00 $20,745.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
15 | Volunteer State Community College | (TN) | $9,044.00 $15,680.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
16 | South Texas College | (TX) | $9,360.00 $16,140.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
16 | Cowley County Community College | (KS) | $9,360.00 $12,336.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
18 | Southern Arkansas University Tech | (AR) | $10,680.00 $13,560.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
19 | Southwest Virginia Community College | (VA) | $10,815.75 $24,450.15 | In-State Out-of-State |
20 | Sinclair Community College | (OH) | $11,027.58 $20,550.90 | In-State Out-of-State |
21 | Jamestown Community College | (NY) | $11,463.00 $21,863.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
22 | Hudson Valley Community College | (NY) | $11,580.00 $21,780.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
23 | Niagara County Community College | (NY) | $11,880.00 $23,760.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
24 | Northern Virginia Community College | (VA) | $12,057.50 $25,236.25 | In-State Out-of-State |
25 | Alexandria Technical & Community College | (MN) | $12,573.00 | All Students |
26 | Portland Community College | (OR) | $12,666.40 $25,086.40 | In-State Out-of-State |
27 | Tompkins Cortland Community College | (NY) | $12,772.00 | All Students |
28 | Des Moines Area Community College | (IA) | $12,800.00 | All Students |
29 | Eastern Oklahoma State College | (OK) | $12,943.50 $20,422.40 | In-State Out-of-State |
30 | Bristol Community College | (MA) | $13,881.00 $27,065.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
31 | Georgia Military College | (GA) | $14,220.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Clinton Community College | (NY) | $14,787.00 $24,679.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Immaculata University | (PA) | $15,900.00 | All Students | |
Anne Arundel Community College | (MD) | $16,060.00 $26,080.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Harrisburg Area Community College | (PA) | $16,592.00 $19,642.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Community College of Allegheny County | (PA) | $17,165.00 $24,245.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Purdue University Fort Wayne | (IN) | $17,460.00 $41,922.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Maine at Augusta | (ME) | $18,132.25 $21,853.25 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Front Range Community College | (CO) | $18,249.40 $24,132.40 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Montgomery College | (MD) | $20,508.00 $28,068.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Columbia College - MO | (MO) | $22,500.00 $15,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Liberty University | (VA) | $24,296.00 $15,100.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Regent University | (VA) | $27,740.00 $18,460.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Florida Institute of Technology | (FL) | $31,110.00 $15,250.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Monroe College | (NY) | $32,552.00 | All Students | |
Parker University | (TX) | $38,550.00 $15,390.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Davenport University | (MI) | $50,240.00 $33,980.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
Accreditation Note
To qualify for a ranking, a program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table.
ACBSP Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
14 Options for this program have changed since publication.
Rankings Note
These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Fall 2020 review of regionally accredited computer information systems associate degree online options. Associate ranks include Associate of Science, Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science degrees from both 4 & 2 year schools. AS & AA are typically best for transfer, while the AAS degree is career-oriented. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the online associate degree programs in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire online degree including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note
Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers an associate degree that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest online schools for computer science may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the best computer information systems associate degree online for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
CIS Associate Degree Career Guide
A computer information systems associate degree online can help you launch an exciting career working for some of the top companies on the planet. By learning how computer networks interact to spread information, increase efficiencies, and create better processes, you will be-come a viable candidate for many exciting jobs!
What to Expect in a Computer Information Systems Associate Degree Online?
A computer information systems associate degree online will give you a broad understanding of the latest hardware, software, and computer applications that are available to both consumers and businesses. The main focus however, as the name suggests, is how these computers work together. (The system!) It will teach you how one computer works hand-in-hand with another, and how different systems can be connected, revised, repaired, and enhanced.
With this degree, you can expect a variety of computer and system-related courses, including web development, systems analysis, and IT network concepts. Course may be titled “Introduction to Programing Using Visual Basics” or “IT Project Management.” The programs often include business and professional-development courses, which prepare you for working for companies (and with people) who use advanced computer networks.
For most programs, there will be a work-experience requirement, usually completed at the end of the final semester. This will give you the chance to join a real company and see how computer networks and systems are applied every day, helping you gain valuable knowledge that is highly desired by employers.
The amount of time required to complete online computer information systems associate degrees can vary, but in most cases it will take roughly two years of full time learning. If you take classes throughout the summer months, it can likely be completed faster, but part-time students may need three years or more to complete the program.
Best Careers in Computer Information Systems
Completing a computer information systems associate degree online will prepare you for a variety of careers, and many bring a strong income while providing the stability of a growing career field.
Computer Support Specialist
- Salary: $54,760
- Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree
- Training/Experience: None
- Growth: 8%
Many computer systems are simple and easy to use. They have intuitive designs and controls that allow users to seamlessly flow through the functions. But others can be extremely complex. When users need guidance and clarification, they often turn to computer support specialists.
These tech-savvy specialists analyze, troubleshoot, and evaluate computer systems and network problems. The job usually includes listening to a customer’s issues, asking appropriate questions, then diagnosing the problem and trying to find a solution. The career often includes walking users to the solution.
Many employers will require a bachelor’s degree, but there are computer support specialist jobs available for people with only an associate’s degree, and post-secondary classes could even be enough for some positions.
Web Developer
- Salary: $73,670
- Education: Associate’s Degree
- Training/Experience: None
- Growth: 8%
Web developers are the brilliance behind the internet. They create all sorts of websites, including business, government, and personal sites, using their knowledge in programming to enhance the functionality and visual attractiveness of a specific site. They often work with graphics designers and other professionals to create the website’s layout and overall map-ping.
The skills learned during an online computer information systems associate degree can be directly applied to web development, although you may need additional classes in web programming, coding, and other site-based topics. But with only an associate’s degree and no prior experience, you can enter a career with median salaries over $73,000 and an expected growth of 8%!
Additional Requirements, Including Licensing & Exams
Most of the careers that come from a computer information systems associate degree online do not require licensing or exams. You simply don’t have to be certified or licensed to develop a network or connect a computer system. However, this career works in a rapidly-changing field, so constant education is often required.
Classes, seminars, and even continued formal education can help you stay on top of the career field while improving your skills and knowledge. New technologies are becoming a reality virtually every day, so staying at the forefront of the industry is essential for your long-term success.
Advanced education, such as a bachelor’s degree and graduate education, could also be extremely useful. This will make you a more attractive hire for companies, and could help propel you into advanced positions such as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) or Chief Information Officer (CIO).