2026 Best Value Computer Science Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Computer Science associate’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1091 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on 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 evaluated 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 Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Collin County Community College District to be the best-value Computer Science school in the United States. Set in McKinney, TX, Collin County Community College District is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Median earnings reach $48,701 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Collin County Community College District
You'll get strong value at North Hennepin Community College, which ranked #2 this year. North Hennepin Community College is a public school based in Brooklyn Park, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $5,061. Typical Computer Science student debt is $15,751. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,142. That is a strong return on a $15,751 median debt. Get the full North Hennepin Community College report
A rank of #3 makes Lake Area Technical Institute one of the best values in the United States. Lake Area Technical Institute is a public school based in Watertown, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,718. Typical Computer Science student debt is $12,458. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,473. Set against $12,458 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Lake Area Technical Institute
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Normandale Community College earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Bloomington, MN, Normandale Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,329. Graduates carry a median of $15,708 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,207 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,708 median debt. Read the full report on Normandale Community College
Out of the 1091 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Grantham University landed the #5 spot. Located in LIttle Rock, AR, Grantham University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,520 in tuition and fees. The median Computer Science program debt is $33,610. Median earnings reach $63,496 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Grantham University profile
Bunker Hill Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Set in Boston, MA, Bunker Hill Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,168, while out-of-state students pay about $11,112. Bunker Hill Community College Computer Science students take on a median of $9,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,618 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Bunker Hill Community College
Anoka Ramsey Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Coon Rapids, MN, Anoka Ramsey Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,682. Typical Computer Science student debt is $22,593. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,342. Set against $22,593 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Anoka Ramsey Community College report
El Centro College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. El Centro College is a public school based in Dallas, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,730 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,900. El Centro College Computer Science students take on a median of $14,557 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,714. That is a strong return on a $14,557 median debt. See the full El Centro College profile
Ivy Tech Community College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Ivy Tech Community College is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $5,154, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. Students borrow a median of $12,500 to complete their Computer Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,186. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Ivy Tech Community College profile
Northern Virginia Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Annandale, VA, Northern Virginia Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,891, with out-of-state students paying around $12,410. The median Computer Science program debt is $13,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,557 ten years after entry. Set against $13,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Northern Virginia Community College report
Lone Star College System ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. 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. Students borrow a median of $10,425 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $42,466 ten years out. Set against $10,425 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Lone Star College System
Lake Washington Institute Of Technology ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. This public school is set in Kirkland, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,997, with out-of-state students paying around $12,062. Graduates carry a median of $19,695 in student loans. Lake Washington Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $50,669 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Lake Washington Institute Of Technology profile
South Texas College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Set 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. Typical Computer Science student debt is $6,868. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,788. That is a strong return on a $6,868 median debt. More on South Texas College
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College placed #14 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,326. Students borrow a median of $17,650 to complete their Computer Science program here. Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $38,399 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,650 median debt. Read more about Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
Monroe Community College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Monroe Community College is a public school based in Rochester, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,006, while out-of-state students pay about $11,056. Students borrow a median of $11,625 to complete their Computer Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,174. Set against $11,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Monroe Community College
Itawamba Community College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Based in Fulton, MS, Itawamba Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,420, with out-of-state students paying around $5,820. Typical Computer Science student debt is $10,942. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,912 ten years after entry. Set against $10,942 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Itawamba Community College
Franklin University placed #17 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Columbus, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,577. The median Computer Science program debt is $47,834. Franklin University alumni report median earnings of $51,892 a decade after entry. Set against $47,834 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Franklin University
Southern Maine Community College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in South Portland, ME. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,156, compared with $7,036 for out-of-state students. Southern Maine Community College Computer Science students take on a median of $13,869 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,661. Set against $13,869 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Southern Maine Community College
Henry Ford Community College landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Dearborn, MI, Henry Ford Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,568, compared with $7,816 for out-of-state students. Henry Ford Community College Computer Science students take on a median of $18,876 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,795. That is a strong return on a $18,876 median debt. Read the full report on Henry Ford Community College
Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,170 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,050 for out-of-state students. Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College Computer Science students take on a median of $10,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,306. Set against $10,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College report
Central New Mexico Community College placed #21 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Based in Albuquerque, NM, Central New Mexico Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,060, while out-of-state students pay about $8,684. Typical Computer Science student debt is $10,112. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,869. That is a strong return on a $10,112 median debt. Read more about Central New Mexico Community College
Butler Community College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. This public school is set in El Dorado, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $3,541, with out-of-state students paying around $6,271. Graduates carry a median of $16,670 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,206 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,670 median debt. Read more about Butler Community College
Erie Community College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Set in Buffalo, NY, Erie Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,100 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,300 for out-of-state students. Erie Community College Computer Science students take on a median of $12,580 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,228. Set against $12,580 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Erie Community College report
Springfield Technical Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. This public school is set in Springfield, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,904, while out-of-state students pay about $11,112. Springfield Technical Community College Computer Science students take on a median of $9,707 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,966 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,707 median debt. See the full Springfield Technical Community College profile
John Tyler Community College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Located in Chester, VA, John Tyler Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,082, compared with $11,520 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,262 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,223. That is a strong return on a $11,262 median debt. Read the full report on John Tyler Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Computer Science Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Onondaga Community College ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Onondaga Community College is a public school based in Syracuse, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $6,102, with out-of-state students paying around $11,392. Graduates carry a median of $12,623 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,190. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Onondaga Community College
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Harrisburg, PA, Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,975, with out-of-state students paying around $12,472. The median Computer Science program debt is $20,867. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,007 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,867 median debt. See the full Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg profile
Southern New Hampshire University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Manchester, NH. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,200. Southern New Hampshire University Computer Science students take on a median of $32,614 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,318 ten years after entry. Set against $32,614 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 100%. More on Southern New Hampshire University
Tacoma Community College landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tacoma, WA, Tacoma Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,507, while out-of-state students pay about $11,646. The median Computer Science program debt is $14,822. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,168 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Tacoma Community College
Suffolk County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This public school is set in Selden, NY. Students from in state pay about $6,630 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,460 for out-of-state students. Suffolk County Community College Computer Science students take on a median of $11,246 in debt. Suffolk County Community College alumni report median earnings of $49,907 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Suffolk County Community College
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in Mercedita, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,780. Graduates carry a median of $9,833 in student loans. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce alumni report median earnings of $26,721 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 34% of applicants are accepted. See the full Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce profile
Tidewater Community College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Norfolk, VA, Tidewater Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,858, with out-of-state students paying around $12,296. Students borrow a median of $14,001 to complete their Computer Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,349 ten years after entry. Set against $14,001 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Tidewater Community College
Weber State University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ogden, UT, Weber State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,557, while out-of-state students pay about $17,545. Weber State University Computer Science students take on a median of $18,158 in debt. Weber State University alumni report median earnings of $56,287 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Weber State University
South Hills School Of Business And Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Located in State College, PA, South Hills School Of Business And Technology is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $19,905 in tuition and fees. South Hills School Of Business And Technology Computer Science students take on a median of $18,459 in debt. Median earnings reach $35,539 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,459 median debt. The acceptance rate is 97%. Read the full report on South Hills School Of Business And Technology
Utah Valley University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Orem, UT, Utah Valley University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,507, while out-of-state students pay about $18,489. Students borrow a median of $24,725 to complete their Computer Science program here. Utah Valley University alumni report median earnings of $55,486 a decade after entry. Set against $24,725 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Utah Valley University
Jamestown Community College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Jamestown Community College is a public school based in Jamestown, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $6,840. Jamestown Community College Computer Science students take on a median of $12,800 in debt. Jamestown Community College alumni report median earnings of $38,242 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Jamestown Community College report
University Of Advancing Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Tempe, AZ, University Of Advancing Technology is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,800. University Of Advancing Technology Computer Science students take on a median of $29,802 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,719. That is a strong return on a $29,802 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read the full report on University Of Advancing Technology
Texas State Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Located in Waco, TX, Texas State Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,212, while out-of-state students pay about $11,812. Texas State Technical College Computer Science students take on a median of $12,953 in debt. Median earnings reach $38,916 ten years out. Set against $12,953 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Texas State Technical College
Cuny New York City College Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. This public school is set in Brooklyn, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $7,332, with out-of-state students paying around $15,282. Typical Computer Science student debt is $11,492. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,365. Set against $11,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. More on Cuny New York City College Of Technology
Central Pennsylvania College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Central Pennsylvania College is a private for-profit school based in Summerdale, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,854. Typical Computer Science student debt is $42,163. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,370 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Central Pennsylvania College admits about 18% of applicants. Read more about Central Pennsylvania College
Spokane Falls Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. This public school is set in Spokane, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,461, compared with $6,612 for out-of-state students. Spokane Falls Community College Computer Science students take on a median of $17,031 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,955 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Spokane Falls Community College profile
Southwestern Oklahoma State University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Weatherford, OK, Southwestern Oklahoma State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,469, with out-of-state students paying around $8,499. Graduates carry a median of $20,795 in student loans. Southwestern Oklahoma State University alumni report median earnings of $45,744 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Davenport University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Davenport University is a private not-for-profit school based in Grand Rapids, MI. Students from in state pay about $24,466 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $32,500 to complete their Computer Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,099. Set against $32,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. More on Davenport University
Suny College Of Technology At Alfred came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Alfred, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,892, while out-of-state students pay about $16,837. The median Computer Science program debt is $19,721. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,445 ten years after entry. Set against $19,721 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Suny College Of Technology At Alfred profile
Lane Community College placed #45 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Eugene, OR, Lane Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,202, with out-of-state students paying around $13,078. Graduates carry a median of $18,373 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,075. That is a strong return on a $18,373 median debt. Get the full Lane Community College report
Quinsigamond Community College came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Worcester, MA, Quinsigamond Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,262, with out-of-state students paying around $11,206. Typical Computer Science student debt is $18,456. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,949 ten years after entry. Set against $18,456 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Quinsigamond Community College report
Full Sail University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. This private for-profit school is set in Winter Park, FL. Students from in state pay about $26,906 in tuition and fees. The median Computer Science program debt is $19,875. Median earnings reach $38,219 ten years out. Set against $19,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Full Sail University
Florida Institute Of Technology ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Read the full report on Florida Institute Of Technology
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Read more about University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Clarkson University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Clarkson University
Related Computer Science Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Computer Science Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Computer Science Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Science Undergraduate Certificate 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
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 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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