2026 Best Value Computer Science Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Computer Science master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 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 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 Science Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Brigham Young University Provo tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Computer Science master's degree schools in the United States. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
Out of the 1091 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Northwest Missouri State University landed the #2 spot. Northwest Missouri State University is a public school based in Maryville, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $10,611, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $23,585 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,885 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,585 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on Northwest Missouri State University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arizona State University Skysong earned it the #3 place in the United States. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Graduates carry a median of $23,742 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,742 median debt. The acceptance rate is 67%. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
Out of the 1091 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Saint Martins University landed the #4 spot. Located in Lacey, WA, Saint Martins University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,510. The median Computer Science program debt is $14,667. Saint Martins University alumni report median earnings of $62,092 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Saint Martins University profile
You'll get strong value at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Students borrow a median of $21,745 to complete their Computer Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. Set against $21,745 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Seattle University placed #6 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Seattle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $56,721. The median Computer Science program debt is $24,980. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,272. Set against $24,980 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Seattle University admits about 77% of applicants. More on Seattle University
North Dakota State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Students borrow a median of $25,959 to complete their Computer Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Fitchburg State University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Fitchburg State University is a public school based in Fitchburg, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,346, while out-of-state students pay about $17,426. Fitchburg State University Computer Science students take on a median of $25,840 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,874 ten years after entry. Set against $25,840 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fitchburg State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. See the full Fitchburg State University profile
Metropolitan State University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Metropolitan State University is a public school based in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,840. Metropolitan State University Computer Science students take on a median of $27,008 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,705 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Metropolitan State University
Villanova University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Based in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. Graduates carry a median of $26,184 in student loans. Villanova University alumni report median earnings of $100,423 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,184 median debt. Villanova University admits about 27% of applicants. Get the full Villanova University report
Saint Cloud State University placed #10 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Saint Cloud State University is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,245. Typical Computer Science student debt is $27,360. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Cloud State University admits about 95% of applicants. See the full Saint Cloud State University profile
Cornell University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Typical Computer Science student debt is $14,698. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,698 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. See the full Cornell University profile
University Of Akron Main Campus ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Typical Computer Science student debt is $25,347. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,600. That is a strong return on a $25,347 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read the full report on University Of Akron Main Campus
Delaware State University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Dover, DE, Delaware State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,670, with out-of-state students paying around $20,634. Typical Computer Science student debt is $26,333. Median earnings reach $49,307 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,333 median debt. The acceptance rate is 47%. Read more about Delaware State University
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Set in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. Typical Computer Science student debt is $19,298. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,768. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 31% of applicants are accepted. Read more about California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
University Of Central Arkansas placed #16 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Located in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,523, with out-of-state students paying around $18,023. Graduates carry a median of $22,920 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,938. Set against $22,920 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Central Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on University Of Central Arkansas
University Of California Berkeley placed #17 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Nebraska At Omaha came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,718, with out-of-state students paying around $23,206. Graduates carry a median of $21,595 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,909 ten years after entry. Set against $21,595 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Typical Computer Science student debt is $21,719. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield
Lewis University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Romeoville, IL, Lewis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,200. Lewis University Computer Science students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,099 ten years after entry. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lewis University has an acceptance rate of 71%. Get the full Lewis University report
Louisiana Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Louisiana Tech University is a public school based in Ruston, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $10,125, compared with $16,866 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $22,875. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,279. That is a strong return on a $22,875 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on Louisiana Tech University
University Of Washington Tacoma Campus came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Tacoma, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,168, while out-of-state students pay about $43,404. The median Computer Science program debt is $16,151. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus alumni report median earnings of $78,466 a decade after entry. Set against $16,151 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Washington Tacoma Campus
Loyola University Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,710. Loyola University Chicago Computer Science students take on a median of $23,521 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,530 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Loyola University Chicago
University Of California San Diego landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of California San Diego is a public school based in La Jolla, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Typical Computer Science student debt is $16,550. University Of California San Diego alumni report median earnings of $84,943 a decade after entry. Set against $16,550 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California San Diego profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Computer Science Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Lehigh University placed #26 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $64,980. Lehigh University Computer Science students take on a median of $23,854 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $105,584. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 26%. Get the full Lehigh University report
Frostburg State University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Frostburg State University is a public school based in Frostburg, MD. Students from in state pay about $10,220 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,814 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $21,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,493. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Frostburg State University admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full Frostburg State University report
University Of North Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. University Of North Dakota is a public school based in Grand Forks, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Typical Computer Science student debt is $25,110. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. Set against $25,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants. More on University Of North Dakota
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Teaneck, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,010. The median Computer Science program debt is $24,770. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,273. That is a strong return on a $24,770 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus
University Of Pennsylvania came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. The median Computer Science program debt is $13,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $111,371. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
Northern Illinois University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Typical Computer Science student debt is $22,966. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. That is a strong return on a $22,966 median debt. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Northern Illinois University
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Computer Science students take on a median of $16,118 in debt. University Of Washington Seattle Campus alumni report median earnings of $78,466 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Michigan Technological University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Michigan Technological University is a public school based in Houghton, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $20,532, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. Typical Computer Science student debt is $24,763. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,198 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,763 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. See the full Michigan Technological University profile
The University Of Texas Pan American ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,799, compared with $19,645 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $14,694. Median earnings reach $49,620 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,694 median debt. The University Of Texas Pan American has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on The University Of Texas Pan American
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater placed #34 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. Typical Computer Science student debt is $25,306. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,356. That is a strong return on a $25,306 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater report
Central Michigan University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,874. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Central Michigan University report
Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham is a private not-for-profit school based in Madison, NJ. Students from in state pay about $37,468 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $24,701 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,273 ten years after entry. Set against $24,701 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham report
Saint Louis University Main Campus landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $55,760 in tuition and fees. Typical Computer Science student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $70,783 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Saint Louis University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. Get the full Saint Louis University Main Campus report
Bradley University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Peoria, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $42,160. Bradley University Computer Science students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Bradley University alumni report median earnings of $66,852 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bradley University has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read more about Bradley University
Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fort Wayne, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,532, while out-of-state students pay about $22,887. Students borrow a median of $24,375 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $45,872 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%. Get the full Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne report
California State University Channel Islands came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Located in Camarillo, CA, California State University Channel Islands is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,159 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,759. California State University Channel Islands Computer Science students take on a median of $18,750 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,152. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Channel Islands has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read more about California State University Channel Islands
Stanford University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Stanford, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. Stanford University Computer Science students take on a median of $10,399 in debt. Median earnings reach $124,080 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Stanford University profile
Texas A And M University College Station placed #43 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Typical Computer Science student debt is $20,187. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. Set against $20,187 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Students borrow a median of $19,375 to complete their Computer Science program here. 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. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Based in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,058 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. Graduates carry a median of $24,323 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,772. Set against $24,323 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 14% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus report
University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Tampa, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Typical Computer Science student debt is $21,829. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,743 ten years after entry. Set against $21,829 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 43%. Read more about University Of South Florida Main Campus
University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. University Of Arkansas is a public school based in Fayetteville, AR. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Students borrow a median of $21,343 to complete their Computer Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,191 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 74%. Get the full University Of Arkansas report
North Central College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Naperville, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,726. Typical Computer Science student debt is $26,678. North Central College alumni report median earnings of $60,123 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Central College has an acceptance rate of 77%. Get the full North Central College report
University Of Central Oklahoma ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. This public school is set in Edmond, OK. Students from in state pay about $8,818 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,704. The median Computer Science program debt is $23,321. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,351 ten years after entry. Set against $23,321 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Central Oklahoma
California State University Chico came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Set in Chico, CA, California State University Chico is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,472, while out-of-state students pay about $21,072. The median Computer Science program debt is $20,000. California State University Chico alumni report median earnings of $64,172 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. California State University Chico admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about California State University Chico
Related Computer Science Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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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