2026 Best Value Computer Information Sciences Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Computer Information Sciences certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 2622 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.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed schools to produce 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 Information Sciences Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
North Hennepin Community College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in Brooklyn Park, MN, North Hennepin Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,061. The median Computer Information Sciences program debt is $15,751. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,142 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about North Hennepin Community College
You'll get strong value at Chattahoochee Technical College, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Marietta, GA, Chattahoochee Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,540, with out-of-state students paying around $6,108. The median Computer Information Sciences program debt is $9,616. Median earnings reach $37,138 ten years out. Set against $9,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Chattahoochee Technical College
Central Community College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Computer Information Sciences ranking in the United States. Located in Grand Island, NE, Central Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,360, while out-of-state students pay about $4,800. Students borrow a median of $10,000 to complete their Computer Information Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $39,429 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Central Community College profile
A rank of #4 makes Metropolitan Community College Area one of the best values in the United States. Based in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,375, while out-of-state students pay about $4,950. Metropolitan Community College Area Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $14,340 in debt. Metropolitan Community College Area alumni report median earnings of $38,773 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,340 median debt. See the full Metropolitan Community College Area profile
Out of the 2622 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Lake Area Technical Institute landed the #5 spot. Based in Watertown, SD, Lake Area Technical Institute is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,718. Graduates carry a median of $12,458 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,473 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Lake Area Technical Institute profile
Fox Valley Technical College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $7,283. Graduates carry a median of $13,363 in student loans. Fox Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,684 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,363 median debt. Read the full report on Fox Valley Technical College
Madison Area Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Madison Area Technical College is a public school based in Madison, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,977, with out-of-state students paying around $7,141. Madison Area Technical College Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $15,242 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,413 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Madison Area Technical College
Bossier Parish Community College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bossier City, LA, Bossier Parish Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,268 in tuition and fees. Typical Computer Information Sciences student debt is $17,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,502 ten years after entry. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Bossier Parish Community College profile
Seattle Community College North Campus came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Seattle, WA, Seattle Community College North Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,238 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,796. Graduates carry a median of $19,504 in student loans. Seattle Community College North Campus alumni report median earnings of $47,728 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,504 median debt. Read the full report on Seattle Community College North Campus
Collin County Community College District ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools. Located in McKinney, TX, Collin County Community College District is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,014 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,064 for out-of-state students. Collin County Community College District Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $9,716 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,701 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,716 median debt. Get the full Collin County Community College District report
Gwinnett Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Lawrenceville, GA, Gwinnett Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,524 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,092. Gwinnett Technical College Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $14,861 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,025. Set against $14,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Gwinnett Technical College
Chippewa Valley Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public school based in Eau Claire, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,844, with out-of-state students paying around $7,087. Graduates carry a median of $17,100 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,297. That is a strong return on a $17,100 median debt. Read the full report on Chippewa Valley Technical College
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Based in Rice Lake, WI, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,926 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,169. Typical Computer Information Sciences student debt is $9,660. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,406. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
Wake Technical Community College placed #14 among the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Raleigh, NC, Wake Technical Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,254, compared with $6,862 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,238 in student loans. Wake Technical Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,769 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,238 median debt. See the full Wake Technical Community College profile
Augusta Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Augusta Technical College is a public school based in Augusta, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,282, with out-of-state students paying around $7,492. Augusta Technical College Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $11,400 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,523 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Augusta Technical College profile
Sinclair Community College landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Dayton, OH, Sinclair Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,675, compared with $8,556 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,816 to complete their Computer Information Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,558. Set against $17,816 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Sinclair Community College
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College placed #17 among the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Green Bay, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,960, compared with $7,203 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Information Sciences program debt is $14,997. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,553. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
El Centro College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools. This public school is set in Dallas, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,730, with out-of-state students paying around $6,900. El Centro College Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $16,197 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,714. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on El Centro College
Waukesha County Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,803, with out-of-state students paying around $7,046. Waukesha County Technical College Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $17,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,894. That is a strong return on a $17,500 median debt. Get the full Waukesha County Technical College report
Johnson County Community College placed #20 among the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $5,688. The median Computer Information Sciences program debt is $13,532. Johnson County Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,387 a decade after entry. Set against $13,532 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Johnson County Community College
Normandale Community College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools. Located 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,207. Set against $15,708 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Normandale Community College
Northeast Community College landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,840, with out-of-state students paying around $5,130. Northeast Community College Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,634 ten years out. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Northeast Community College
University Of Phoenix Arizona landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Phoenix, AZ, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $9,552 in tuition and fees. The median Computer Information Sciences program debt is $33,775. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,752. Set against $33,775 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about University Of Phoenix Arizona
Clover Park Technical College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools. Located in Lakewood, WA, Clover Park Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,634. Graduates carry a median of $14,405 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,787. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Clover Park Technical College report
Middlesex Community College Bedford offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Bedford, MA, Middlesex Community College Bedford is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,098, compared with $12,170 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Information Sciences student debt is $8,250. Median earnings reach $50,651 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Middlesex Community College Bedford
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Computer Information Sciences Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Bunker Hill Community College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based 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 Information Sciences students take on a median of $9,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,618. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Bunker Hill Community College
Dakota County Technical College placed #27 among the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools in the United States. Dakota County Technical College is a public school based in Rosemount, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,679. Graduates carry a median of $15,327 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,938. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Dakota County Technical College
Georgia Piedmont Technical College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Clarkston, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,404, with out-of-state students paying around $5,954. Students borrow a median of $15,716 to complete their Computer Information Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,619. Set against $15,716 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Spokane Community College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Spokane, WA, Spokane Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,461, with out-of-state students paying around $6,612. Graduates carry a median of $17,406 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,984 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,406 median debt. Get the full Spokane Community College report
American Public University System placed #30 among the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Charles Town, WV. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. American Public University System Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $20,838 in debt. American Public University System alumni report median earnings of $44,409 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,838 median debt. See the full American Public University System profile
Washtenaw Community College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools. This public school is set in Ann Arbor, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,736, compared with $6,504 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Information Sciences program debt is $17,616. Washtenaw Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,449 a decade after entry. Set against $17,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Washtenaw Community College report
Southeast Technical Institute came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Sioux Falls, SD, Southeast Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,650. Graduates carry a median of $16,805 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,709. Set against $16,805 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Southeast Technical Institute
Athens Technical College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Athens Technical College is a public school based in Athens, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,390, with out-of-state students paying around $5,958. Typical Computer Information Sciences student debt is $9,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,951 ten years after entry. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Athens Technical College profile
Central Piedmont Community College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools. Located in Charlotte, NC, Central Piedmont Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,792, with out-of-state students paying around $8,936. Typical Computer Information Sciences student debt is $10,456. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,865. Set against $10,456 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Central Piedmont Community College profile
Mid State Technical College landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Mid State Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,002, compared with $7,171 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,626 in student loans. Mid State Technical College alumni report median earnings of $42,253 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,626 median debt. Read more about Mid State Technical College
Bellevue College landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bellevue, WA, Bellevue College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,436, compared with $10,502 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Information Sciences student debt is $13,502. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,310. That is a strong return on a $13,502 median debt. Read more about Bellevue College
Pulaski Technical College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based in North Little Rock, AR, Pulaski Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,300, compared with $9,450 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,043 to complete their Computer Information Sciences program here. Pulaski Technical College alumni report median earnings of $34,722 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Pulaski Technical College
Ivy Tech Community College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools. Located in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,154, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,248 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,186. That is a strong return on a $12,248 median debt. Read more about Ivy Tech Community College
Cuyahoga Community College District placed #39 among the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Cleveland, OH, Cuyahoga Community College District is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,249 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,249. Typical Computer Information Sciences student debt is $17,629. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,654 ten years after entry. Set against $17,629 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Cuyahoga Community College District
Baltimore City Community College placed #40 among the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Baltimore, MD, Baltimore City Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,314 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,394. Typical Computer Information Sciences student debt is $11,202. Median earnings reach $36,025 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Baltimore City Community College
Gateway Technical College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools. Based in Kenosha, WI, Gateway Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,956, compared with $7,199 for out-of-state students. Gateway Technical College Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $13,512 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,264. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Gateway Technical College
Lone Star College System placed #42 among the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools in the United States. Based in The Woodlands, TX, Lone Star College System is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,664, compared with $7,512 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,466 ten years after entry. Set against $12,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Lone Star College System profile
Western Technical College La Cross offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Set in La Crosse, WI, Western Technical College La Cross is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,820, compared with $7,078 for out-of-state students. Western Technical College La Cross Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $9,811 in debt. Western Technical College La Cross alumni report median earnings of $45,303 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,811 median debt. Get the full Western Technical College La Cross report
Colorado State University Global Campus came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Denver, CO, Colorado State University Global Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,000. Colorado State University Global Campus Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $29,602 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $76,813 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Colorado State University Global Campus admits about 98% of applicants. Read more about Colorado State University Global Campus
Des Moines Area Community College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Set in Ankeny, IA, Des Moines Area Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,790, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. The median Computer Information Sciences program debt is $17,399. Median earnings reach $41,018 ten years out. Set against $17,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Des Moines Area Community College
Amarillo College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Amarillo, TX, Amarillo College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,136, compared with $4,704 for out-of-state students. Amarillo College Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $11,884 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,302. That is a strong return on a $11,884 median debt. Read more about Amarillo College
Tarrant County College District came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Tarrant County College District is a public school based in Fort Worth, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,863, while out-of-state students pay about $8,370. Typical Computer Information Sciences student debt is $12,867. Median earnings reach $42,727 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Tarrant County College District
Hennepin Technical College placed #48 among the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Brooklyn Park, MN, Hennepin Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,940 in tuition and fees. Typical Computer Information Sciences student debt is $20,998. Median earnings reach $49,460 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Hennepin Technical College profile
Minneapolis Community And Technical College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,161. Typical Computer Information Sciences student debt is $20,519. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,086. Set against $20,519 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Minneapolis Community And Technical College
Ogeechee Technical College landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Statesboro, GA, Ogeechee Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,388 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,956 for out-of-state students. Ogeechee Technical College Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $11,894 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,248 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,894 median debt. Read more about Ogeechee Technical College
Related Computer Information Sciences Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Computer Information Sciences Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Computer Information Sciences Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Information Sciences Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Information Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Information Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Information Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Information Sciences 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 2622 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).