2026 Best Value Computer Science Schools
Looking for the best-value Computer Science programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 1091 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 arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed 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 Science Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Collin County Community College District this year in the United States. Located in McKinney, TX, Collin County Community College District is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,014, with out-of-state students paying around $6,064. Collin County Community College District Computer Science students take on a median of $9,716 in debt. Collin County Community College District alumni report median earnings of $48,701 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,716 median debt. See the full Collin County Community College District profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at North Hennepin Community College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Set in Brooklyn Park, MN, North Hennepin Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,061. Students borrow a median of $15,751 to complete their Computer Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,142 ten years after entry. Set against $15,751 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on North Hennepin Community College
A rank of #3 makes Lake Area Technical Institute one of the best values in the United States. Set in Watertown, SD, Lake Area Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,718. Lake Area Technical Institute Computer Science students take on a median of $12,458 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,473 ten years after entry. Set against $12,458 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Lake Area Technical Institute
You'll get strong value at Normandale Community College, which ranked #4 this year. Set in Bloomington, MN, Normandale Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,329. Graduates carry a median of $15,708 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,207 ten years after entry. Set against $15,708 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Normandale Community College report
Out of the 1091 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Western Governors University landed the #5 spot. Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit school based in Salt Lake City, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $8,658. Graduates carry a median of $17,796 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,615. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Western Governors University profile
Brigham Young University Idaho ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Located 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. Brigham Young University Idaho Computer Science students take on a median of $7,821 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,406 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $7,821 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
Bunker Hill Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Boston, MA, Bunker Hill Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,168, while out-of-state students pay about $11,112. Students borrow a median of $9,000 to complete their Computer Science program here. Bunker Hill Community College alumni report median earnings of $47,618 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,000 median debt. Read more about Bunker Hill Community College
Anoka Ramsey Community College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Coon Rapids, MN, Anoka Ramsey Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,682. Anoka Ramsey Community College Computer Science students take on a median of $22,593 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,342 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,593 median debt. Get the full Anoka Ramsey Community College report
Brigham Young University Provo offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. More on Brigham Young University Provo
El Centro College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,730, compared with $6,900 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,557 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,714. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on El Centro College
Grantham University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Located in LIttle Rock, AR, Grantham University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,520. The median Computer Science program debt is $33,610. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,496. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Grantham University profile
Bellevue College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. This public school is set in Bellevue, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,436, compared with $10,502 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $18,839. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,310. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Bellevue College
Northwest Missouri State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,611, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $23,585 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,885. That is a strong return on a $23,585 median debt. Northwest Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Northwest Missouri State University
Ivy Tech Community College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,154, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. Ivy Tech Community College Computer Science students take on a median of $12,500 in debt. Ivy Tech Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,186 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,500 median debt. Get the full Ivy Tech Community College report
Northern Virginia Community College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Annandale, VA, Northern Virginia Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,891, with out-of-state students paying around $12,410. The median Computer Science program debt is $13,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,557. Set against $13,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northern Virginia Community College
Lone Star College System came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Lone Star College System is a public school based in The Woodlands, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,664, while out-of-state students pay about $7,512. The median Computer Science program debt is $10,425. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,466. That is a strong return on a $10,425 median debt. See the full Lone Star College System profile
Lake Washington Institute Of Technology ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Based in Kirkland, WA, Lake Washington Institute Of Technology is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,997, with out-of-state students paying around $12,062. Graduates carry a median of $19,695 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,669. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Lake Washington Institute Of Technology report
Arizona State University Skysong offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,742 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $23,742 median debt. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
South Texas College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Based in McAllen, TX, South Texas College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,920 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,620. Students borrow a median of $6,868 to complete their Computer Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,788. Set against $6,868 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about South Texas College
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. This public school is set in Saint Paul, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,326 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $17,650 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,399. That is a strong return on a $17,650 median debt. Read the full report on Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
Monroe Community College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Monroe Community College is a public school based in Rochester, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $6,006, compared with $11,056 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,625 in student loans. Median earnings reach $40,174 ten years out. Set against $11,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Monroe Community College
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Mayaguez, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,274. Typical Computer Science student debt is $8,630. Median earnings reach $48,992 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez admits about 56% of applicants. Get the full University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez report
Itawamba Community College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Itawamba Community College is a public school based in Fulton, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,420, while out-of-state students pay about $5,820. Typical Computer Science 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
Metropolitan State University placed #24 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,840. Graduates carry a median of $27,008 in student loans. Metropolitan State University alumni report median earnings of $64,705 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,008 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Metropolitan State University
Southern Maine Community College landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Southern Maine Community College is a public school based in South Portland, ME. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,156, with out-of-state students paying around $7,036. Typical Computer Science student debt is $13,869. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,661 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Southern Maine Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Computer Science Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Florida Polytechnic University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Lakeland, FL, Florida Polytechnic University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,940, compared with $21,004 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $7,500 to complete their Computer Science program here. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Florida Polytechnic University
Wilmington University placed #27 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Based in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,630. The median Computer Science program debt is $26,054. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,844. Set against $26,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Wilmington University
Henry Ford Community College placed #28 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Dearborn, MI, Henry Ford Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,568, with out-of-state students paying around $7,816. Typical Computer Science student debt is $18,876. Henry Ford Community College alumni report median earnings of $34,795 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,876 median debt. Get the full Henry Ford Community College report
Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,170, while out-of-state students pay about $8,050. Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College Computer Science students take on a median of $10,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,306. Set against $10,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College
Central New Mexico Community College placed #30 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Based in Albuquerque, NM, Central New Mexico Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,060, while out-of-state students pay about $8,684. Central New Mexico Community College Computer Science students take on a median of $10,112 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,869 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Central New Mexico Community College profile
Western Carolina University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in Cullowhee, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Computer Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,458 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Western Carolina University
Butler Community College placed #32 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in El Dorado, KS, Butler Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,541, with out-of-state students paying around $6,271. Butler Community College Computer Science students take on a median of $16,670 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,206 ten years after entry. Set against $16,670 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Butler Community College profile
Erie Community College placed #33 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Buffalo, NY, Erie Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,100, compared with $11,300 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,580 to complete their Computer Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,228 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,580 median debt. Read the full report on Erie Community College
Springfield Technical Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Springfield, MA, Springfield Technical Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,904, compared with $11,112 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,707 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,966. Set against $9,707 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Springfield Technical Community College
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mercedita, PR. In-state tuition and fees average $5,780. The median Computer Science program debt is $9,833. Graduates go on to earn a median of $26,721 ten years after entry. Set against $9,833 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 34% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce profile
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Typical Computer Science student debt is $21,745. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point placed #37 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Stevens Point, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $18,248. Typical Computer Science student debt is $24,161. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,021. Set against $24,161 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point report
John Tyler Community College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. This public school is set in Chester, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,082, compared with $11,520 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,262 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,223 ten years out. Set against $11,262 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full John Tyler Community College report
West Texas A And M University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Computer Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,741 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read more about West Texas A And M University
Onondaga Community College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Set in Syracuse, NY, Onondaga Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,102, with out-of-state students paying around $11,392. Students borrow a median of $12,623 to complete their Computer Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,190. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Onondaga Community College
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg placed #41 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Based in Harrisburg, PA, Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,975 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,472. Graduates carry a median of $20,867 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,007 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,867 median debt. Read the full report on Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg
Saint Cloud State University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Saint Cloud State University is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,245. Graduates carry a median of $27,360 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Saint Cloud State University
Bemidji State University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Located in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,237. Graduates carry a median of $25,819 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,755. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bemidji State University admits about 56% of applicants. Get the full Bemidji State University report
North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $25,959. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Elizabeth City State University placed #45 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Based in Elizabeth City, NC, Elizabeth City State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,536, with out-of-state students paying around $10,536. Elizabeth City State University Computer Science students take on a median of $26,992 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,026. Set against $26,992 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Elizabeth City State University admits about 64% of applicants. Get the full Elizabeth City State University report
Franklin University placed #46 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Franklin University is a private not-for-profit school based in Columbus, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,577. Typical Computer Science student debt is $47,834. Median earnings reach $51,892 ten years out. Set against $47,834 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Franklin University profile
Youngstown State University placed #47 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Located in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $21,000. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants. Read more about Youngstown State University
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Typical Computer Science student debt is $25,347. Median earnings reach $46,600 ten years out. Set against $25,347 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. Get the full University Of Akron Main Campus report
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,532, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. The median Computer Science program debt is $24,619. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,548. That is a strong return on a $24,619 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Baker College Of Flint came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in Owosso, MI, Baker College Of Flint is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,000. The median Computer Science program debt is $38,134. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,833. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Baker College Of Flint has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full Baker College Of Flint profile
Best Value Computer Science Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Computer Science Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Science Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Science Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Science Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Science Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Science Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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 1091 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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