2026 Best Value Data Processing Schools
Looking for the best-value Data Processing programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 141 schools 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated schools to build 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 Data Processing Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found American Public University System to be the best-value Data Processing school in the United States. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. Typical Data Processing student debt is $19,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,409 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. Get the full American Public University System report
You'll get strong value at El Centro College, which ranked #2 this year. This public school is set in Dallas, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,730 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,900 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,718 to complete their Data Processing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,714. That is a strong return on a $10,718 median debt. Read the full report on El Centro College
Athens Technical College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Data Processing ranking in the United States. Set in Athens, GA, Athens Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,390, with out-of-state students paying around $5,958. Students borrow a median of $9,500 to complete their Data Processing program here. Median earnings reach $35,951 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Athens Technical College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Bellevue College earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Bellevue, WA, Bellevue College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,436, with out-of-state students paying around $10,502. Students borrow a median of $13,502 to complete their Data Processing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,310. That is a strong return on a $13,502 median debt. Read the full report on Bellevue College
A rank of #5 makes West Georgia Technical College one of the best values in the United States. Located in Waco, GA, West Georgia Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,410, while out-of-state students pay about $5,978. Graduates carry a median of $12,651 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,479. That is a strong return on a $12,651 median debt. Get the full West Georgia Technical College report
Augusta Technical College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Augusta Technical College is a public school based in Augusta, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $4,282, with out-of-state students paying around $7,492. The median Data Processing program debt is $11,400. Median earnings reach $33,523 ten years out. Set against $11,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Augusta Technical College
Delgado Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This public school is set in New Orleans, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,279. The median Data Processing program debt is $17,418. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,305. Set against $17,418 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Delgado Community College
Georgia Piedmont Technical College placed #8 among the best-value Data Processing schools in the United States. This public school is set in Clarkston, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,404, while out-of-state students pay about $5,954. Graduates carry a median of $15,716 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,619. That is a strong return on a $15,716 median debt. Read more about Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Walden University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $11,067 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $49,361 in student loans. Walden University alumni report median earnings of $42,810 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $49,361 median debt. Read the full report on Walden University
Capella University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees. Capella University Data Processing students take on a median of $35,998 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,189 ten years after entry. Set against $35,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Capella University
Stark State College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in North Canton, OH, Stark State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,790, with out-of-state students paying around $7,886. Graduates carry a median of $17,349 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,661. That is a strong return on a $17,349 median debt. Read the full report on Stark State College
Columbia Basin College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Based in Pasco, WA, Columbia Basin College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,555, with out-of-state students paying around $8,668. Columbia Basin College Data Processing students take on a median of $17,170 in debt. Median earnings reach $46,680 ten years out. Set against $17,170 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Columbia Basin College profile
York Technical College landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. York Technical College is a public school based in Rock Hill, SC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,036, while out-of-state students pay about $13,340. York Technical College Data Processing students take on a median of $15,125 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,257. That is a strong return on a $15,125 median debt. See the full York Technical College profile
Greenville Technical College placed #14 among the best-value Data Processing schools in the United States. This public school is set in Greenville, SC. In-state tuition and fees average $5,495, with out-of-state students paying around $10,775. Typical Data Processing student debt is $21,083. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,473. Set against $21,083 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Greenville Technical College
Ogeechee Technical College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Ogeechee Technical College is a public school based in Statesboro, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,388, compared with $5,956 for out-of-state students. The median Data Processing program debt is $11,894. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,248. That is a strong return on a $11,894 median debt. Get the full Ogeechee Technical College report
Piedmont Technical College landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Piedmont Technical College is a public school based in Greenwood, SC. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,775, compared with $6,923 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,652 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,768. Set against $17,652 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Piedmont Technical College profile
Ferris State University placed #17 among the best-value Data Processing schools in the United States. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,778. Graduates carry a median of $23,562 in student loans. Ferris State University alumni report median earnings of $54,735 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,562 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Ferris State University
Spartanburg Community College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Data Processing schools. This public school is set in Spartanburg, SC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,071, compared with $10,135 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,148 to complete their Data Processing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,097 ten years after entry. Set against $10,148 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Spartanburg Community College
Missouri University Of Science And Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. This public school is set in Rolla, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,984, with out-of-state students paying around $33,248. Students borrow a median of $25,187 to complete their Data Processing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,957. Set against $25,187 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri University Of Science And Technology has an acceptance rate of 72%. See the full Missouri University Of Science And Technology profile
Miami University Hamilton came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Set in Hamilton, OH, Miami University Hamilton is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,012, while out-of-state students pay about $18,811. Students borrow a median of $21,031 to complete their Data Processing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,076. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Miami University Hamilton
Community College Of Philadelphia landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Community College Of Philadelphia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,632 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,744. The median Data Processing program debt is $16,059. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,852 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Community College Of Philadelphia
Horry Georgetown Technical College placed #22 among the best-value Data Processing schools in the United States. This public school is set in Conway, SC. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,518, with out-of-state students paying around $10,978. Graduates carry a median of $16,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,507. Set against $16,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Horry Georgetown Technical College
Central Carolina Technical College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Data Processing schools. Located in Sumter, SC, Central Carolina Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,715, while out-of-state students pay about $9,016. Graduates carry a median of $15,750 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,603. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Central Carolina Technical College
University Of Nevada Las Vegas came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Las Vegas, NV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,748, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. The median Data Processing program debt is $21,750. University Of Nevada Las Vegas alumni report median earnings of $55,037 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nevada Las Vegas admits about 96% of applicants. See the full University Of Nevada Las Vegas profile
University Of San Francisco came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Francisco, CA, University Of San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $60,522. Students borrow a median of $23,935 to complete their Data Processing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $89,812 ten years after entry. Set against $23,935 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of San Francisco admits about 62% of applicants. Get the full University Of San Francisco report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Data Processing Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
George Washington University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,710. Students borrow a median of $22,910 to complete their Data Processing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,873. Set against $22,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 47% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full George Washington University report
Miami University Middletown ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Data Processing schools. This public school is set in Middletown, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,012, with out-of-state students paying around $18,811. Students borrow a median of $21,031 to complete their Data Processing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,076. Set against $21,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Miami University Middletown report
University Of Southern Mississippi came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. University Of Southern Mississippi is a public school based in Hattiesburg, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,998, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. Typical Data Processing student debt is $28,743. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,140. That is a strong return on a $28,743 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full University Of Southern Mississippi profile
Midlands Technical College placed #30 among the best-value Data Processing schools in the United States. This public school is set in West Columbia, SC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,100, compared with $14,700 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,013 to complete their Data Processing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,701. Set against $14,013 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Midlands Technical College
Arkansas State University Main Campus ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Data Processing schools. This public school is set in Jonesboro, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,090, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. Graduates carry a median of $23,399 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,617 ten years out. Set against $23,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arkansas State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Arkansas State University Main Campus report
Farmingdale State College placed #32 among the best-value Data Processing schools in the United States. Located in Farmingdale, NY, Farmingdale State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,626, with out-of-state students paying around $18,536. Typical Data Processing student debt is $19,528. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,781 ten years after entry. Set against $19,528 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Farmingdale State College has an acceptance rate of 63%. Read more about Farmingdale State College
Boston University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Data Processing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $68,102. The median Data Processing program debt is $25,232. Graduates go on to earn a median of $83,238 ten years after entry. Set against $25,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%. Read the full report on Boston University
University Of Dubuque ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Data Processing schools. Set in Dubuque, IA, University Of Dubuque is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $42,095. Students borrow a median of $27,204 to complete their Data Processing program here. Median earnings reach $51,190 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Dubuque admits about 89% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Dubuque
University Of Baltimore offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Get the full University Of Baltimore report
Albany Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Get the full Albany Technical College report
Vincennes University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Data Processing schools. More on Vincennes University
Nassau Community College ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Data Processing schools. Read more about Nassau Community College
University Of New Mexico Gallup Campus landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about University Of New Mexico Gallup Campus
Denmark Technical College landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Denmark Technical College
Peninsula College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. More on Peninsula College
Onondaga Community College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Onondaga Community College report
Anoka Technical College placed #42 among the best-value Data Processing schools in the United States. Read more about Anoka Technical College
South Georgia Technical College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full South Georgia Technical College profile
Grays Harbor College landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Grays Harbor College
Trident Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Read the full report on Trident Technical College
Ocean County College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Get the full Ocean County College report
Sinte Gleska University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Sinte Gleska University report
Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins placed #48 among the best-value Data Processing schools in the United States. Get the full Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins report
Bristol Community College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. See the full Bristol Community College profile
Frederick Community College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Data Processing schools. More on Frederick Community College
Best Value Data Processing Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Data Processing Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Data Processing Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Data Processing Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Data Processing Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Data Processing Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Data Processing Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Data Processing 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 141 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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