2026 Best Value Computer Information Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Computer Information Sciences graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 2622 institutions 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed 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 Computer Information Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat Simpson College this year in the United States. Simpson College is a private not-for-profit school based in Indianola, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,656. The median Computer Information Sciences program debt is $25,000. Simpson College alumni report median earnings of $59,274 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full Simpson College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at American Public University System earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. Students borrow a median of $20,838 to complete their Computer Information Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full American Public University System profile
You'll get strong value at Park University, which ranked #3 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Parkville, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,116. Students borrow a median of $22,504 to complete their Computer Information Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,309. That is a strong return on a $22,504 median debt. Read more about Park University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Colorado State University Global Campus earned it the #4 place in the United States. Colorado State University Global Campus is a public school based in Denver, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,000. The median Computer Information Sciences program debt is $29,602. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $76,813. That is a strong return on a $29,602 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. See the full Colorado State University Global Campus profile
You'll get strong value at Minnesota State University Mankato, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Graduates carry a median of $20,625 in student loans. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,625 median debt. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Ferris State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools. Based in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. Graduates carry a median of $27,344 in student loans. Ferris State University alumni report median earnings of $54,735 a decade after entry. Set against $27,344 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Ferris State University
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winona, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,080. The median Computer Information Sciences program debt is $21,999. Median earnings reach $58,170 ten years out. Set against $21,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota admits about 93% of applicants. More on Saint Marys University Of Minnesota
Dakota State University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Dakota State University is a public school based in Madison, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,654, while out-of-state students pay about $12,756. Graduates carry a median of $24,841 in student loans. Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $50,970 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,841 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Dakota State University report
University Of Maryland University College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Adelphi, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,136, with out-of-state students paying around $12,336. Students borrow a median of $20,277 to complete their Computer Information Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,287. That is a strong return on a $20,277 median debt. More on University Of Maryland University College
Metropolitan State University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,840. Students borrow a median of $35,281 to complete their Computer Information Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,705. Set against $35,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. More on Metropolitan State University
University Of Phoenix Arizona ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools. Set 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,752. That is a strong return on a $33,775 median debt. Get the full University Of Phoenix Arizona report
Seattle University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $56,721. Students borrow a median of $24,980 to complete their Computer Information Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,272. That is a strong return on a $24,980 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read the full report on Seattle University
Illinois State University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,257 to complete their Computer Information Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,117. That is a strong return on a $22,257 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Illinois State University profile
Marist College placed #14 among the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools in the United States. Marist College is a private not-for-profit school based in Poughkeepsie, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,620. Students borrow a median of $26,970 to complete their Computer Information Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $77,819. That is a strong return on a $26,970 median debt. The acceptance rate is 56%. See the full Marist College profile
North Dakota State University Main Campus placed #15 among the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Typical Computer Information Sciences student debt is $25,959. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Lewis University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Located in Romeoville, IL, Lewis University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,200. Graduates carry a median of $26,925 in student loans. Lewis University alumni report median earnings of $66,099 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,925 median debt. Lewis University has an acceptance rate of 71%. Get the full Lewis University report
Sam Houston State University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools. Sam Houston State University is a public school based in Huntsville, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,068. Sam Houston State University Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $23,473 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,211. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Sam Houston State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Sam Houston State University
Norwich University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Northfield, VT, Norwich University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,740. Students borrow a median of $26,364 to complete their Computer Information Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $65,575 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Norwich University admits about 74% of applicants. Get the full Norwich University report
Walden University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,067 in tuition and fees. Walden University Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $52,459 in debt. Walden University alumni report median earnings of $42,810 a decade after entry. Set against $52,459 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Walden University
Bowie State University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Set in Bowie, MD, Bowie State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,218, while out-of-state students pay about $19,938. The median Computer Information Sciences program debt is $30,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,537 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,000 median debt. Bowie State University has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full Bowie State University report
University Of St Thomas Minnesota came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Paul, MN, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $54,398. University Of St Thomas Minnesota Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $23,704 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,739. That is a strong return on a $23,704 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read the full report on University Of St Thomas Minnesota
Champlain College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Burlington, VT. In-state tuition and fees average $47,850. Graduates carry a median of $26,928 in student loans. Champlain College alumni report median earnings of $58,386 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,928 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Champlain College
Regis University placed #23 among the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Denver, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,140. Typical Computer Information Sciences student debt is $30,389. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,105. That is a strong return on a $30,389 median debt. Regis University has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full Regis University profile
Saint Louis University Main Campus landed the #24 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. In-state tuition and fees average $55,760. The median Computer Information Sciences program debt is $36,973. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,783. Set against $36,973 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%. Get the full Saint Louis University Main Campus report
Marquette University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools. Marquette University is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,170. Graduates carry a median of $22,536 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,257. That is a strong return on a $22,536 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%. Read the full report on Marquette University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Computer Information Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Capella University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,400. Capella University Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $33,857 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,189. That is a strong return on a $33,857 median debt. More on Capella University
Devry University Illinois came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Lisle, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,008. The median Computer Information Sciences program debt is $32,631. Devry University Illinois alumni report median earnings of $45,987 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,631 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Devry University Illinois
Baker College Of Flint came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Baker College Of Flint is a private not-for-profit school based in Owosso, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $13,000. The median Computer Information Sciences program debt is $35,804. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,833. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Baker College Of Flint admits about 82% of applicants. See the full Baker College Of Flint profile
Texas Tech University placed #29 among the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Graduates carry a median of $23,246 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Information Sciences student debt is $22,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Information Sciences program debt is $17,783. University Of Virginia Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $86,863 a decade after entry. Set against $17,783 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 17% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus
University Of Nebraska At Omaha offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,718, compared with $23,206 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,629 to complete their Computer Information Sciences program here. University Of Nebraska At Omaha alumni report median earnings of $53,909 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,629 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%. Get the full University Of Nebraska At Omaha report
Depaul University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Depaul University is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. Graduates carry a median of $25,297 in student loans. Depaul University alumni report median earnings of $68,751 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,297 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read more about Depaul University
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Set in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,775 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $61,258 a decade after entry. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read more about West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus placed #35 among the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Teaneck, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,010 in tuition and fees. Typical Computer Information Sciences student debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,273 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus profile
Grand Valley State University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,502, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. Grand Valley State University Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $27,054 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,118. That is a strong return on a $27,054 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Grand Valley State University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Devry College Of New York offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Devry College Of New York is a private for-profit school based in New York, NY. Students from in state pay about $17,008 in tuition and fees. Typical Computer Information Sciences student debt is $41,003. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,987 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. More on Devry College Of New York
Missouri State University Springfield ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools. Based in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Graduates carry a median of $25,370 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Missouri State University Springfield report
James Madison University placed #40 among the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,966, compared with $31,312 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Information Sciences student debt is $21,458. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,954 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. See the full James Madison University profile
Texas Womans University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Texas Womans University is a public school based in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,640, while out-of-state students pay about $18,480. Typical Computer Information Sciences student debt is $18,399. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Womans University admits about 96% of applicants. See the full Texas Womans University profile
Montclair State University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Based in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. The median Computer Information Sciences program debt is $23,501. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,415. That is a strong return on a $23,501 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Montclair State University report
Towson University placed #44 among the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools in the United States. Towson University is a public school based in Towson, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,728, compared with $29,820 for out-of-state students. Towson University Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $20,673 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,390 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,673 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read the full report on Towson University
Edp College Of Puerto Rico Inc San Juan came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Juan, PR, Edp College Of Puerto Rico Inc San Juan is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,050, with out-of-state students paying around $14,125. The median Computer Information Sciences program debt is $10,669. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $22,844. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Edp College Of Puerto Rico Inc San Juan admits about 61% of applicants. See the full Edp College Of Puerto Rico Inc San Juan profile
University Of North Texas offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Graduates carry a median of $24,551 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,010 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,551 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of North Texas
East Carolina University placed #47 among the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,361, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. The median Computer Information Sciences program debt is $26,925. East Carolina University alumni report median earnings of $55,146 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. See the full East Carolina University profile
Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Madison, NJ. Students from in state pay about $37,468 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Computer Information Sciences program here. Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham alumni report median earnings of $57,273 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. See the full Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham profile
Florida Atlantic University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Located in Boca Raton, FL, Florida Atlantic University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,879, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $18,337 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,746. Set against $18,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida Atlantic University has an acceptance rate of 66%. Read more about Florida Atlantic University
University Of Memphis came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,728 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Information Sciences student debt is $24,672. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,458 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,672 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Memphis
Central Michigan University placed #51 among the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Central Michigan University Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Central Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $55,874 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Central Michigan University
Related Computer Information Sciences Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Computer Information Sciences Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Computer Information Sciences Certificate Degree Schools
- 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 Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Information Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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).