2026 Best Value Computer Programming Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Computer Programming associate’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 642 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Computer Programming Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Indian Hills Community College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Indian Hills Community College is a public school based in Ottumwa, IA. Students from in state pay about $5,040 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,120. The median Computer Programming program debt is $12,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,507. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Indian Hills Community College profile
Out of the 642 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, St Cloud Technical And Community College landed the #2 spot. Set in Saint Cloud, MN, St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,124. Graduates carry a median of $16,734 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on St Cloud Technical And Community College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Fox Valley Technical College earned it the #3 place in the United States. Fox Valley Technical College is a public school based in Appleton, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $7,283. Students borrow a median of $13,812 to complete their Computer Programming program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,684. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Fox Valley Technical College profile
Waukesha County Technical College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Computer Programming ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Pewaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,803, with out-of-state students paying around $7,046. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $16,595. Waukesha County Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,894 a decade after entry. Set against $16,595 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Waukesha County Technical College
You'll get strong value at Seattle Community College North Campus, which ranked #5 this year. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. Students from in state pay about $5,238 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,796. Students borrow a median of $19,504 to complete their Computer Programming program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,728. Set against $19,504 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Seattle Community College North Campus profile
Gwinnett Technical College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Gwinnett Technical College is a public school based in Lawrenceville, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,524 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,092. The median Computer Programming program debt is $6,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Gwinnett Technical College
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Rice Lake, WI, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,926 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,169. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Computer Programming students take on a median of $11,384 in debt. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College alumni report median earnings of $43,406 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
Chippewa Valley Technical College placed #8 among the best-value Computer Programming schools in the United States. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,844, with out-of-state students paying around $7,087. The median Computer Programming program debt is $18,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,297. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Chippewa Valley Technical College
Johnson County Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. This public school is set in Overland Park, KS. Students from in state pay about $2,424 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,688 for out-of-state students. Johnson County Community College Computer Programming students take on a median of $13,532 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,387 ten years out. Set against $13,532 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Johnson County Community College
Chattahoochee Technical College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. Set in Marietta, GA, Chattahoochee Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,540, with out-of-state students paying around $6,108. Chattahoochee Technical College Computer Programming students take on a median of $9,616 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,138. That is a strong return on a $9,616 median debt. Get the full Chattahoochee Technical College report
Brigham Young University Idaho came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800. Students borrow a median of $13,287 to complete their Computer Programming program here. Median earnings reach $53,406 ten years out. Set against $13,287 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Idaho
Cincinnati State Technical And Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Cincinnati, OH, Cincinnati State Technical And Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,517, with out-of-state students paying around $10,044. Cincinnati State Technical And Community College Computer Programming students take on a median of $12,736 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,137. That is a strong return on a $12,736 median debt. See the full Cincinnati State Technical And Community College profile
El Centro College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This public school is set in Dallas, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,730, while out-of-state students pay about $6,900. Students borrow a median of $20,508 to complete their Computer Programming program here. El Centro College alumni report median earnings of $41,714 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,508 median debt. See the full El Centro College profile
Mid State Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,002, with out-of-state students paying around $7,171. Mid State Technical College Computer Programming students take on a median of $11,626 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,253. That is a strong return on a $11,626 median debt. Get the full Mid State Technical College report
Sinclair Community College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Dayton, OH, Sinclair Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,675 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,556. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $12,525. Sinclair Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,558 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,525 median debt. Read the full report on Sinclair Community College
Southeast Technical Institute placed #16 among the best-value Computer Programming schools in the United States. Set in Sioux Falls, SD, Southeast Technical Institute is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,650. The median Computer Programming program debt is $14,827. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,709 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,827 median debt. Get the full Southeast Technical Institute report
Moraine Park Technical College placed #17 among the best-value Computer Programming schools in the United States. Set in Fond du Lac, WI, Moraine Park Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,819, compared with $7,084 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $11,471. Median earnings reach $44,371 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,471 median debt. More on Moraine Park Technical College
Bunker Hill Community College placed #18 among the best-value Computer Programming schools in the United States. Based in Boston, MA, Bunker Hill Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,168, compared with $11,112 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Programming program debt is $11,893. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,618. Set against $11,893 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Bunker Hill Community College
Dakota County Technical College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. This public school is set in Rosemount, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,679. The median Computer Programming program debt is $13,474. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,938 ten years after entry. Set against $13,474 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Dakota County Technical College
Hennepin Technical College placed #21 among the best-value Computer Programming schools in the United States. This public school is set in Brooklyn Park, MN. Students from in state pay about $5,940 in tuition and fees. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $17,887. Median earnings reach $49,460 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Hennepin Technical College
Minneapolis Community And Technical College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. Minneapolis Community And Technical College is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,161. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $22,600. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,086 ten years after entry. Set against $22,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Minneapolis Community And Technical College
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based in Green Bay, WI, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,960, with out-of-state students paying around $7,203. Students borrow a median of $14,997 to complete their Computer Programming program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,553 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Northeast Wisconsin Technical College profile
Bellevue College placed #24 among the best-value Computer Programming schools in the United States. Bellevue College is a public school based in Bellevue, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $4,436, compared with $10,502 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,839 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,310. Set against $18,839 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Bellevue College profile
Washtenaw Community College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. Based in Ann Arbor, MI, Washtenaw Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,736, with out-of-state students paying around $6,504. The median Computer Programming program debt is $17,616. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,449 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,616 median debt. Read the full report on Washtenaw Community College
Georgia Military College Milledgeville came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in Milledgeville, GA, Georgia Military College Milledgeville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,605. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $13,587. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,257 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,587 median debt. More on Georgia Military College Milledgeville
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Computer Programming Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Augusta Technical College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. Located in Augusta, GA, Augusta Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,282, compared with $7,492 for out-of-state students. Augusta Technical College Computer Programming students take on a median of $11,400 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,523 ten years after entry. Set against $11,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Augusta Technical College
Milwaukee Area Technical College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,184, compared with $7,427 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Programming program debt is $18,296. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,113 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Milwaukee Area Technical College
Clover Park Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Lakewood, WA, Clover Park Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,634 in tuition and fees. Clover Park Technical College Computer Programming students take on a median of $15,154 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,787. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Clover Park Technical College report
Gateway Technical College landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Kenosha, WI, Gateway Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,956, with out-of-state students paying around $7,199. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $9,833. Median earnings reach $40,264 ten years out. Set against $9,833 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Gateway Technical College profile
Lakeshore Technical College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. Based in Cleveland, WI, Lakeshore Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,844, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. Lakeshore Technical College Computer Programming students take on a median of $11,582 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,113. That is a strong return on a $11,582 median debt. Read the full report on Lakeshore Technical College
Des Moines Area Community College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Ankeny, IA, Des Moines Area Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,790, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Programming program debt is $14,956. Median earnings reach $41,018 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,956 median debt. See the full Des Moines Area Community College profile
Amarillo College placed #33 among the best-value Computer Programming schools in the United States. Based in Amarillo, TX, Amarillo College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,136 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,704. Graduates carry a median of $11,884 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,302. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Amarillo College
Southwestern Illinois College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Located in Belleville, IL, Southwestern Illinois College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,230 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,720. Students borrow a median of $10,388 to complete their Computer Programming program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,884. That is a strong return on a $10,388 median debt. More on Southwestern Illinois College
West Georgia Technical College came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Waco, GA, West Georgia Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,978. West Georgia Technical College Computer Programming students take on a median of $12,651 in debt. Median earnings reach $35,479 ten years out. Set against $12,651 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full West Georgia Technical College report
Kirkwood Community College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. Located in Cedar Rapids, IA, Kirkwood Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,176, with out-of-state students paying around $8,220. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $15,737. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,016. That is a strong return on a $15,737 median debt. Read more about Kirkwood Community College
Wayne County Community College District ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. This public school is set in Detroit, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,112, while out-of-state students pay about $4,067. Students borrow a median of $20,820 to complete their Computer Programming program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $29,079. Set against $20,820 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Wayne County Community College District
Lake Washington Institute Of Technology came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Lake Washington Institute Of Technology is a public school based in Kirkland, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,997, compared with $12,062 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $19,695. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,669. Set against $19,695 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Lake Washington Institute Of Technology report
Ozarks Technical Community College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. Ozarks Technical Community College is a public school based in Springfield, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,256, while out-of-state students pay about $7,040. Graduates carry a median of $11,964 in student loans. Ozarks Technical Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,455 a decade after entry. Set against $11,964 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Ozarks Technical Community College
Cuyahoga Community College District landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Cleveland, OH, Cuyahoga Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,249, with out-of-state students paying around $7,249. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $14,636. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,654. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Cuyahoga Community College District
Henry Ford Community College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Dearborn, MI, Henry Ford Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,568, compared with $7,816 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $15,138. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,795 ten years after entry. Set against $15,138 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Henry Ford Community College
Georgia Piedmont Technical College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Clarkston, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,404, compared with $5,954 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Programming program debt is $15,716. Georgia Piedmont Technical College alumni report median earnings of $34,619 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Georgia Piedmont Technical College profile
Hillsborough Community College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. Hillsborough Community College is a public school based in Tampa, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,491, with out-of-state students paying around $9,088. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $16,256. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,782. Set against $16,256 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Hillsborough Community College profile
St Charles Community College placed #44 among the best-value Computer Programming schools in the United States. Set in Cottleville, MO, St Charles Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,810 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,620. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $12,606. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,422. Set against $12,606 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about St Charles Community College
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,326. The median Computer Programming program debt is $17,650. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,399. That is a strong return on a $17,650 median debt. Get the full Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College report
Portland Community College came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Set in Portland, OR, Portland Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,220, with out-of-state students paying around $10,440. The median Computer Programming program debt is $24,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,592 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. See the full Portland Community College profile
Wake Technical Community College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Raleigh, NC, Wake Technical Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,254, compared with $6,862 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,900 to complete their Computer Programming program here. Wake Technical Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,769 a decade after entry. Set against $17,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Wake Technical Community College report
Itawamba Community College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. Located in Fulton, MS, Itawamba Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,420 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,820. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $10,942. Itawamba Community College alumni report median earnings of $32,912 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Itawamba Community College
Lansing Community College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Lansing Community College is a public school based in Lansing, MI. Students from in state pay about $4,100 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,300. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $16,700. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,206. Set against $16,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Lansing Community College
Valencia College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. Set in Orlando, FL, Valencia College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,664, compared with $9,576 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,070 to complete their Computer Programming program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,594. Set against $14,070 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Valencia College report
Lone Star College System came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in The Woodlands, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,664, with out-of-state students paying around $7,512. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $10,425. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,466 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,425 median debt. See the full Lone Star College System profile
Related Computer Programming Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Computer Programming Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Computer Programming Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Programming Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Programming Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Programming Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Programming Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Programming Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 642 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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