How Much is a Computer Science Course?

When exploring options for training in computer science, prospective technology professionals have plenty of choices to consider. Of course, the costs for whichever path a person decides to take can vary greatly. The price for training related to computer science will depend on the method of learning that a person chooses, ranging from a four-year or graduate college degree, continuing education courses, online classes, or certificate programs. Learning skills associated with computer science requires training in coding, programming languages, and procedures for working in web development, software engineering, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

The cost for training related to computer science can vary widely depending on the path a prospective computer professional plans on taking. A person could choose to take on a college major in computer science, which would be relatively expensive, costing thousands of dollars and requiring years to complete. Learning computer science through an online education provider can vary from a few hundred dollars with in-person or online courses for learning coding, programming languages, and various technical skills. Choosing to enroll in certificated programs will cost a little more for training in computer science. Despite certificate training typically being more expensive than basic courses or bootcamps, the cost will not likely total as much as or take as much time as attempting a college degree. The cost for on-demand training will typically be less than in-person or online classes, bootcamps, or certificate programs, rarely rising above $100 for self-paced courses.

The Most Expensive Training Options for Learning Computer Science

If time or money is not an obstacle, a person may opt to enroll in a college degree program in computer science. The cost of a college education related to computer science will vary widely depending on the type of school a prospective computer professional chooses. Of course, if a person chooses to take on a college major in computer science, that decision may end up being fairly expensive. A public college like the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), for example, is among the top-ranked public research universities in the United States and offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) through its College of Computing. Tuition at Georgia Tech averages around $12,000 annually for in-state residents and about $33,000 a year for out-of-state students.

By contrast, if someone decides to enroll at a private school like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to major in computer science for training in areas like Computer Science and Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Decision Making, or blended majors like Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science at the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing, the tuition and fees will total around $60,000 a year.

Certificate Programs for Computer Science

For prospective computer professionals who cannot afford the expense of a college degree in computer science, there are several options for gaining skills with coding, programming languages, techniques, and tools without having to spend years on campus or going into debt. New learners as well as experienced Computer Programmers looking for training in different areas of computer science may want to consider certificate training.

Certificate programs related to computer science can provide new skills for experienced professionals to work in web development, software engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, or cybersecurity. Newly acquired skills in computer science can lead to working in several careers associated with technology for becoming Web Developers, Software Engineers, Data Analysts, Security Analysts, or Computer Programmers.

Noble Desktop offers the Cloud Computing with AWS course that can be taken inside Manhattan classrooms or through virtual learning. AWS (Amazon Web Services) is a subsidiary of Amazon, Inc. that provides on-demand cloud computing and APIs for businesses, government agencies, and individuals that facilitates computing, storage, databases, networking, and content delivery for millions of customers. Training in this course includes lessons for building a cloud-based environment using AWS, the most widely used cloud computing platform around the world. This course can be taken inside a classroom or live online for $995.

Certificate Training in cybersecurity requires knowledge in computer science for understanding how hackers take advantage of computer networks. The basic skills required for working in cybersecurity includes skills with Python programming, computer coding, and data science. Understanding computer networking is essential for working in cybersecurity since any attempt at stealing data or breaching computer systems begins with accessing information by going through a network illegally. Gaining certification for working in cybersecurity can be acquired by passing the CompTIA Security+ certification exam that costs around $2,500. The cost for the Cisco CCNA exam is currently about $300.

Certificate-level training in computer science can also include advanced courses with related programming languages like Python through Certstaffix Training’s Advanced Python Programming course that provides live online training focused on Python. Lessons cover lambda functions, mapping and filtering, and advanced areas that include mutable and immutable built-in objects. Training emphasizes using Python for work in web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. To enroll in this course, students must have basic Python programming experience and will need to feel comfortable with strings, lists, dictionaries, loops, and conditionals as well as writing functions. This live online program costs $2,025. 

In-Person Computer Science Training

For anyone looking for training in computer science, there are options available with in-person classes through continuing education programs at local colleges. In Los Angeles, for instance, UCLA Extension offers the Introduction to Computer Science I course that initiates students into computer science with discussions on theories, appreciations, and programming. Students will learn about fundamental data types, procedures, and data abstraction as well as object-oriented software development. Training includes examples and exercises from computer science theories and applications through training in this six-week course for $1,095.

In Atlanta, a school like Emory University offers the Emory Data Analytics Bootcamp through its continuing education division for learning about data analysis and data visualization for helping organizations interpret information for making business decisions. This bootcamp costs $3,000 for ten to 26 weeks of training depending on whether the student chooses the full-time or part-time format.

The advantage of learning in person allows students to interact directly with instructors and classmates. While there can undoubtedly be interaction among teachers and students in a live online setting, there is something more fulfilling about sharing personal space, being able to read body language, or simply experiencing the chemistry of physical contact that comes from occupying the same room. Getting to a classroom may also be challenging for people taking in-person courses with obstacles like traffic, weather, or unforeseen events that can make getting from one place to another difficult.

Live Online Computer Science Training

Live online courses can help students with training in areas of computer science even though some people may feel more comfortable learning inside classrooms. However, virtual learning provides scheduling flexibility for people who work full-time or have other obligations. Enrolling in live online courses allows individuals to pursue learning options without needing to deal with the stress of having to drive somewhere or search for a parking space, not to mention getting to class on time.

Noble Desktop offers training related to computer sciences inside New York classrooms that include options for live online training. For example, you can enroll in the Data Science Certificate program that will train you for becoming a Data Scientist or a Cybersecurity Analyst from lessons in Python and SQL along with training in machine learning algorithms. This online course costs $3,995 with the opportunity for a free retake within one year.

Students may also choose to enroll at Ledet Training for the Open Source JavaScript 101 Training Class that teaches participants the fundamental skills for using JavaScript efficiently and productively. Lessons provide students with hands-on training from practicing basic and advanced techniques for gaining experience with the programming language through this two-day course that costs $999.

On-Demand Computer Science Classes

People who would like to gain skills related to computer science can enroll in on-demand courses that provide scheduling flexibility for people who work full-time at a lower cost than getting a college degree or continuing education options. Training in an on-demand class allows students to access their assignments at their own pace and on their own time within the timeframe of the course.

The University of London, for example, offers on-demand training in computer science through the free Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Specialization that offers an introduction to computer science and software programming for people who have no technical background in computer technology. Training explores the fundamentals of computer science and software development for working with current tech trends in computing.

Prospective computer professionals hoping to gain skills related to computer science can enroll in on-demand courses that offer scheduling flexibility. Training through on-demand computer science classes allow students access to assignments at their discretion within the span of the course. For instance, Udemy offers the Computer Science 101: Master the Theory Behind Programming course that provides training in computer technology through nearly 12 hours of on-demand video tutorials. Students will learn the fundamental concepts of computer science through lessons aimed at providing them with training in procedures, programming languages, and techniques at the cost of $94.99 with discounts available.