Best Tips to Get a Free Computer Science Degree

With a computer science degree, you'll have a ton of job options to choose from. For instance, you could become a computer systems analyst. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these professionals work on making computer systems more efficient. They earn a median salary of around $99,270 annually, and this field is expected to grow by nine percent in the next decade. This means there should be plenty of job openings for you once you graduate.

Getting a computer science degree online for free might sound too good to be true, but it's not impossible. There are several strategies you can use to cut down on the cost of your degree, and in some cases, you might even be able to take courses without paying a cent!

How to Lower the Cost of Your Computer Science Degree

Here are some strategies that can help you save on tuition. Combining these methods can lead to even more savings. Some of these strategies might require a bit of effort, like searching for scholarships, but the savings are worth it.

1. Prior Learning Assessment

Prior learning assessment (PLA) is a way for students to earn college credits for what they already know from experiences outside of a traditional classroom. This could be from military service, work experience, or even advanced placement courses from high school.

For example, Advanced Placement (AP) exams are designed for high school students to tackle college-level material. If you score well on these exams, you might not need to take those same courses in college. The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is another example of this.

If you've gained knowledge through work or military service, you might be able to bypass certain college courses by taking CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) exams. While there is a small fee for CLEP exams, it's significantly less than the cost of taking the course at college. CLEP exams cover basic subjects like chemistry or management principles, allowing you to save on tuition fees by testing out of these courses.

2. Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships, grants, and loans can greatly reduce the financial burden of your education. When you apply to a school, you'll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form, which requires information about your financial situation, will determine if you qualify for federal aid such as Pell Grants. Your school might also use your FAFSA information to offer you additional aid from their own funds.

Beyond federal aid, there are other sources of financial assistance. Many nonprofit organizations, professional groups, and local government agencies offer grants that may require separate applications. Here are a few scholarships available specifically for computer science students:

•Microsoft Tuition Scholarships: Microsoft provides several merit-based scholarships each year. To qualify, you need to be enrolled in a four-year college with a strong academic record and a GPA of at least 3.0.

•Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship: This Microsoft scholarship awards $20,000 to high school seniors of African descent who have a minimum GPA of 3.3 and demonstrate financial need.

•National Center for Women & Information Technology Collegiate Award: This award is open to undergraduate and graduate women, as well as genderqueer and non-binary students, and is sponsored by Qualcomm and Amazon.

•Generation Google Scholarship: Provides $10,000 for U.S. students and $5,000 for Canadian students, awarded to those with a solid academic record and financial need.

•IBM Linda Sanford Women's Technical Advancement Scholarship: This renewable scholarship offers $1,250 and is available to female students with a GPA of at least 3.5 studying computer science or related fields. It's sponsored by the Society of Women Engineers.

3. Teaching Assistantships

Teaching assistantships are typically available for graduate students and can be a great way to earn money while gaining valuable teaching experience. As a teaching assistant (TA), you'll help faculty members with undergraduate courses. Your duties might include leading discussions, grading assignments, holding office hours, and supporting students who need extra help.

TA positions usually involve working 10-20 hours per week. You might receive a stipend or hourly pay, and some positions come with benefits like tuition waivers or subsidized health insurance. Working as a TA not only helps save money but also enhances your resume. It shows future employers that you were trusted by your faculty and likely excelled in your coursework. Additionally, teaching helps reinforce your understanding of the material and identifies any areas where you might need more knowledge.

4. Research Assistantships

Research assistantships, like teaching assistantships, are usually available at the graduate level, though some undergraduate students might also have opportunities to assist with research. In a research assistantship, you'll collaborate with professors on research projects instead of teaching.

Your tasks as a research assistant (RA) will depend on the project. You might be involved in collecting and analyzing data, reviewing literature, and writing or co-writing research papers. Whether you're working with a single professor or as part of a research team, the position offers a stipend or salary, and possibly additional benefits such as tuition waivers. This role also provides a chance to network with professionals and make a significant addition to your resume.

By exploring and applying these methods, you can significantly reduce the cost of your computer science degree and, in some cases, achieve your educational goals at no cost.