WGU Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Review 2026: Self-motivated adults who want an accredited computer science bachelor's and can move quickly through material they already know.
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Our verdict
WGU's BS in Computer Science is the best-value bachelor's in this guide for disciplined students. Tuition is a flat $4,125 per six-month term plus a $200 e-books and resources fee (as of 2026-10-02), and the 39-course programme lets you finish as many courses as you can in each term. WGU says 62% of graduates finish within 25 months. Western Governors University is listed as Accredited in the NWCCU directory, first accredited in 2003, and WGU states the programme itself has ABET accreditation, which we could not confirm in ABET's own search. The trade-offs: self-pacing without deadlines does not suit everyone, refunds are limited, and College Scorecard's $60,615 median earnings 10 years after entry is an all-WGU figure.
Score breakdown
- Outcomes (30%)7.0/10
- Cost & Value (25%)8.0/10
- Academics (20%)7.0/10
- Support Services (15%)6.0/10
- Flexibility (10%)9.0/10
Scored per our review methodology.
Who it's for
Best for: Self-motivated adults who want an accredited computer science bachelor's and can move quickly through material they already know..
Pricing
$4,125 tuition per six-month term plus a $200 e-books and resources fee; flat rate however many courses you complete (as of 2026-10-02)
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition per six-month term | $4,125 (as of 2026-10-02) | Flat rate for 12+ competency units; complete as many courses as you can. |
| E-books and resources fee | $200 per term (as of 2026-10-02) | Covers e-textbooks and course materials. |
| Certification exam vouchers | Included in tuition (as of 2026-10-02) | Some certifications may need a paid membership. |
What the evidence says
- B.S. Computer Science tuition $4,125 per term plus $200 e-books and resources fee; tuition charged at a flat rate every six months; refund prorated until the 60% point of a term, fees not refunded (as of 2026-10-02). (WGU: Tuition for IT degrees (official))
- 39 courses; 62% of graduates finish within 25 months; WGU states ABET accreditation; included certifications include Linux Essentials and AWS Certified Developer Associate; exam vouchers included in tuition. (WGU: B.S. Computer Science (official))
- Western Governors University: current accreditation status Accredited; first accredited 2003; private not-for-profit. (NWCCU: Institutional directory)
- College Scorecard lists WGU's accreditor as NWCCU and median earnings 10 years after entry of $60,615 (institution-wide). (US Department of Education: College Scorecard API)
Pros & cons
Pros
- Flat-rate tuition: $4,125 per six-month term covers as many courses as you complete, so faster students pay less (as of 2026-10-02)
- Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, confirmed in NWCCU's directory
- Competency-based and online with no class times or assignment deadlines
- Certification exam vouchers are included in tuition, with Linux Essentials and AWS Certified Developer Associate among the listed certifications
Cons & red flags
- WGU states the programme has ABET accreditation, but ABET's search page did not load for us, so we could not confirm it there
- No fixed deadlines suits self-starters but makes it easy to fall behind; WGU says 62% of graduates finish within 25 months, which leaves many who take longer
- Fees are not refunded, and tuition refunds stop after the 60% point of a term
- College Scorecard's median earnings figure ($60,615, 10 years after entry) covers all WGU students, not computer science graduates
How it compares
WGU Bachelor of Science in Computer Science scores 7.3/10 in our online degrees evaluation. See where it lands in the full ranking: Best Online Degrees of 2026.
- Georgia Tech Online Master of Science in Computer Science (OMSCS) review — 8.4/10, working professionals with a bachelor's degree who want an accredited computer science master's at a fraction of typical cost.
- University of the People Bachelor of Science in Computer Science review — 6.6/10, budget-limited students anywhere in the world who want an accredited us bachelor's and can study on their own.
Frequently asked questions
How much is WGU's computer science degree?
$4,125 per six-month term plus a $200 e-books and resources fee (as of 2026-10-02). Total cost depends on how many terms you need.
Is WGU accredited?
Yes. Western Governors University is listed as Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, first accredited in 2003, per NWCCU's directory.
How long does it take?
The programme has 39 courses. WGU says 62% of graduates finish within 25 months.
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