2026 Best Value Computer Science Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Computer Science doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1091 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Brigham Young University Provo this year in the United States. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Typical Computer Science student debt is $12,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at North Dakota State University Main Campus earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. The median Computer Science program debt is $25,959. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cornell University earned it the #3 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Graduates carry a median of $14,698 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $104,043. That is a strong return on a $14,698 median debt. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Cornell University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs earned it the #4 place in the United States. Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs is a private for-profit school based in Colorado Springs, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,750. Students borrow a median of $44,014 to complete their Computer Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,180 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $44,014 median debt. More on Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs
You'll get strong value at University Of California Berkeley, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,900 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. Set against $13,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #6 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $20,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Depaul University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Located in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $45,405 in tuition and fees. The median Computer Science program debt is $25,310. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,751 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Depaul University has an acceptance rate of 76%. More on Depaul University
Marquette University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Milwaukee, WI. Students from in state pay about $51,170 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,122 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $78,257 ten years out. Set against $24,122 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%. Read the full report on Marquette University
Texas A And M University College Station placed #9 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Typical Computer Science student debt is $20,187. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. That is a strong return on a $20,187 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
Lehigh University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bethlehem, PA. Students from in state pay about $64,980 in tuition and fees. The median Computer Science program debt is $23,854. Lehigh University alumni report median earnings of $105,584 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 26% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Lehigh University
The University Of Texas At El Paso landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,544, while out-of-state students pay about $25,502. The median Computer Science program debt is $19,819. Median earnings reach $50,923 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,819 median debt. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At El Paso
Michigan Technological University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $20,532, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. Students borrow a median of $24,763 to complete their Computer Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,198. That is a strong return on a $24,763 median debt. Michigan Technological University admits about 92% of applicants. See the full Michigan Technological University profile
University Of California San Diego landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,788 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Students borrow a median of $16,550 to complete their Computer Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,943. Set against $16,550 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read more about University Of California San Diego
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Graduates carry a median of $19,375 in student loans. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. Set against $19,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. More on Purdue University Main Campus
California Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Pasadena, CA, California Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,898. Median earnings reach $128,566 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 3%. See the full California Institute Of Technology profile
Carnegie Mellon University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,636. Students borrow a median of $21,442 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $114,862 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,442 median debt. Carnegie Mellon University admits about 12% of applicants. See the full Carnegie Mellon University profile
University Of California Santa Barbara offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. University Of California Santa Barbara is a public school based in Santa Barbara, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,444, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $11,000. Median earnings reach $74,915 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. University Of California Santa Barbara has an acceptance rate of 33%. See the full University Of California Santa Barbara profile
Stanford University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. Stanford University Computer Science students take on a median of $10,399 in debt. Stanford University alumni report median earnings of $124,080 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%. More on Stanford University
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus placed #19 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,058, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Graduates carry a median of $24,323 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,772. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 14%. Get the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus report
Southern Methodist University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,040 in tuition and fees. Typical Computer Science student debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,354. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Methodist University admits about 63% of applicants. Read the full report on Southern Methodist University
University Of Maryland College Park came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Typical Computer Science student debt is $20,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,860. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. University Of Maryland College Park admits about 45% of applicants. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
Iowa State University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,663 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. Set against $24,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. More on Iowa State University
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public school based in Chapel Hill, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. Students borrow a median of $14,131 to complete their Computer Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,200 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill has an acceptance rate of 15%. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
University Of Georgia ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. This public school is set in Athens, GA. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete their Computer Science program here. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. Read the full report on University Of Georgia
Brown University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Brown University is a private not-for-profit school based in Providence, RI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,312. Students borrow a median of $11,500 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $93,487 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 5%. Read more about Brown University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Computer Science Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Texas State University San Marcos ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Based in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Students borrow a median of $24,445 to complete their Computer Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,906 ten years after entry. Set against $24,445 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full Texas State University San Marcos report
Stony Brook University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Stony Brook, NY, Stony Brook University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,931 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,741 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $20,537. Stony Brook University alumni report median earnings of $74,502 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,537 median debt. Roughly 49% of applicants are accepted. See the full Stony Brook University profile
Harvard University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,676. Typical Computer Science student debt is $16,616. Median earnings reach $101,817 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Harvard University profile
New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Socorro, NM, New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,476, compared with $27,247 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $18,747. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $76,489. That is a strong return on a $18,747 median debt. New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology admits about 44% of applicants. More on New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Computer Science students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $69,020 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Computer Science students take on a median of $21,073 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,758 ten years after entry. Set against $21,073 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile
University Of California Irvine offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,752 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. The median Computer Science program debt is $15,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,735 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 29%. Get the full University Of California Irvine report
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,396. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Computer Science students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $143,372 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read more about Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
University Of Maryland Baltimore County ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. This public school is set in Baltimore, MD. Students from in state pay about $13,256 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,225. The median Computer Science program debt is $20,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,960. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Maryland Baltimore County admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Maryland Baltimore County
University Of Memphis landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Memphis, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. University Of Memphis Computer Science students take on a median of $24,672 in debt. University Of Memphis alumni report median earnings of $48,458 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,672 median debt. University Of Memphis admits about 72% of applicants. See the full University Of Memphis profile
University Of Utah ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. Typical Computer Science student debt is $19,947. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,170. Set against $19,947 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Utah has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full University Of Utah profile
Worcester Polytechnic Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit school based in Worcester, MA. Students from in state pay about $60,765 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,470 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Worcester Polytechnic Institute report
George Washington University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,710 in tuition and fees. The median Computer Science program debt is $19,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,873. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 47% of applicants are accepted. See the full George Washington University profile
Duke University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,758. Typical Computer Science student debt is $13,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $97,800. That is a strong return on a $13,500 median debt. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted. More on Duke University
Florida Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Based in Melbourne, FL, Florida Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,900. Typical Computer Science student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,137 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Florida Institute Of Technology
Montana State University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Bozeman, MT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,460, while out-of-state students pay about $33,287. Typical Computer Science student debt is $22,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,263. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read more about Montana State University
Suny At Binghamton ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Vestal, NY, Suny At Binghamton is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,567, with out-of-state students paying around $30,447. The median Computer Science program debt is $19,500. Suny At Binghamton alumni report median earnings of $80,596 a decade after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Suny At Binghamton profile
Washington State University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $22,453. Washington State University alumni report median earnings of $68,905 a decade after entry. Set against $22,453 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Washington State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Get the full Washington State University report
Vanderbilt University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nashville, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,498. The median Computer Science program debt is $14,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $91,565. Set against $14,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Vanderbilt University admits about 6% of applicants. Read more about Vanderbilt University
Portland State University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Portland State University is a public school based in Portland, OR. Students from in state pay about $11,118 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,906. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Portland State University
Indiana University Bloomington placed #46 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Based in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Graduates carry a median of $20,417 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,742. Set against $20,417 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Bloomington admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on Indiana University Bloomington
University Of Illinois At Chicago placed #47 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Located in Chicago, IL, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,949 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $32,009. University Of Illinois At Chicago Computer Science students take on a median of $19,087 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,740. That is a strong return on a $19,087 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Illinois At Chicago report
Arizona State University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Arizona State University Computer Science students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on Arizona State University
Oregon State University placed #49 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Based in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,400, with out-of-state students paying around $38,190. Oregon State University Computer Science students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Oregon State University alumni report median earnings of $64,010 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oregon State University admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full Oregon State University report
Dartmouth College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Hanover, NH. Students from in state pay about $68,019 in tuition and fees. The median Computer Science program debt is $18,490. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $97,434. Set against $18,490 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. More on Dartmouth College
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 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
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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