2023 Best Value Computer Science Schools in Pennsylvania
Identifying High-Quality Schools With More Affordable Pricing
When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for computer science students. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house. Also there are many trade schools and bootcamps that offer short-term programs that open up more career options.
Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Computer Science Degree Search has created the Best Value Computer Science Schools in Pennsylvania to help you in your search for the best school for you. This report analyzed 50 schools in Pennsylvania to see which ones offered the best value programs for computer science students. The goal was to highlight schools with more affordable prices than others offering similar quality experiences.
This ranking is not just a list of inexpensive schools. We also consider each school's quality, since we believe a low-quality school may not be a 'bargain' at any price. More specifically, we discount our quality score by the published tuition and fees charged by a school. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The value is determined by how much quality your dollar buys.
For nationwide and regional rankings, we use out-of-state tuition and fees in our calculations. Average in-state tuition and fees are used for our statewide rankings.
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Top Value Computer Science Schools in Pennsylvania
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
Our analysis found La Salle University to be the best value school for computer science students in Pennsylvania. La Salle University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that handed out 47 degrees in 2020-2021.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at La Salle are $33,150 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,877 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $410 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, La Salle graduates make an average of $49,822 annually.
Out of the 50 schools in Pennsylvania that were part of this year’s ranking, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology landed the # 2 spot on the list. Located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the small public school awarded 16 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology undergraduate students pay an average of $8,450 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,367 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology graduates make an average of $40,004 annually.
In addition to its great value ranking, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is in the top 10% of all schools on our Best Computer Science Schools in Pennsylvania list.
The excellent programs at Harrisburg Area Community College helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best value computer science schools in Pennsylvania. Located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the fairly large public school awarded 125 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.
HACC undergraduate students pay an average of $9,818 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,075 in student loans. During the early years of their career, HACC graduates make an average of $35,757 annually.
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Community College of Philadelphia. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Value Computer Science Schools in Pennsylvania list. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the fairly large public school awarded 203 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.
Community College of Philadelphia undergraduate students pay an average of $12,744 in tuition and fees each year. On average, students take out $18,561 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Community College of Philadelphia, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,346 during the early years of their career.
The excellent programs at West Chester University of Pennsylvania helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best value computer science schools in Pennsylvania. West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a fairly large public school located in West Chester, Pennsylvania that handed out 189 degrees in 2020-2021.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at WCUPA are $22,247 a year. During the early years of their career, WCUPA graduates make an average of $43,790 annually.
Millersville University of Pennsylvania landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value computer science programs. Millersville is a public institution located in Millersville, Pennsylvania. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 38 degrees in 2020-2021.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Millersville are $22,226 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $26,212 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $304. Once they receive their degree, Millersville graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,464 during the early year of their career.
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania ranked #7 on this year’s Best Value Computer Science Schools in Pennsylvania list. East Stroudsburg University is a medium-sized public school situated in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. It awarded 49 degrees in 2020-2021.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at East Stroudsburg University are $19,797 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,544 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $254 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from East Stroudsburg University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,023 during the early years of their career.
Read full report on East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for computer science students. It came in at #8 on the list. Located in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, the medium-sized public school handed out 82 degrees in 2020-2021.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at SRU are $14,615 per year. On average, students take out $25,146 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $275, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from SRU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,997 during the early years of their career.
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value computer science programs. Located in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, the medium-sized public school handed out 96 degrees in 2020-2021.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Kutztown University are $15,170 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $26,882 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $259, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Kutztown University graduates make an average of $35,223 annually.
University of Pittsburgh - Johnstown ranked #10 on this year’s Best Value Computer Science Schools in Pennsylvania list. Pitt Johnstown is a small public school situated in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. It awarded 49 degrees in 2020-2021.
Pitt Johnstown undergraduate students pay an average of $25,992 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $25,064 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $415, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Pitt Johnstown graduates make an average of $43,342 annually.
Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Main Campus landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value computer science programs. Indiana, Pennsylvania is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 51 students in 2020-2021.
IUP undergraduate students pay an average of $18,897 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $26,868 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $286.After graduating from IUP, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,743 during the early years of their career.
Clarion University of Pennsylvania came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Computer Science Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. Clarion University is located in Clarion, Pennsylvania and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 33 degrees to qualified students.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Clarion University are $16,052 per year. On average, students take out $26,318 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $296 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Clarion University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,574 during the early years of their career.
California University of Pennsylvania landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value computer science programs. Cal U is a medium-sized public school situated in California, Pennsylvania. It awarded 66 degrees in 2020-2021.
Cal U undergraduate students pay an average of $15,726 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $30,277 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $162. Once they receive their degree, Cal U graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,624 during the early year of their career.
Strayer University - Pennsylvania did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for computer science students. It came in at #14 on the list. Strayer University - Pennsylvania is located in Trevose, Pennsylvania and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 29 degrees to qualified students.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Strayer University - Pennsylvania are $13,515 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $39,315 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $121 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Strayer University - Pennsylvania graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $52,529 during the early year of their career.
Lock Haven University landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value computer science programs. LHU is a public institution located in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. The school has a small population, and it awarded 8 degrees in 2020-2021.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at LHU are $20,702 a year. On average, students take out $29,214 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $229 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, LHU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,679 during the early year of their career.
Temple University came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Computer Science Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. This large public school is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 466 degrees in 2020-2021.
Temple undergraduate students pay an average of $30,602 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,029 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $368 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Temple, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $47,012 during the early years of their career.
Temple excels when it comes to quality. It’s ranked in the top 20% of all schools on our Best Computer Science Schools in Pennsylvania list.
Community College of Allegheny County did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for computer science students. It came in at #17 on the list. CCAC is a public institution located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 149 degrees in 2020-2021.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at CCAC are $11,863 a year. On average, students take out $18,837 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, CCAC graduates make an average of $35,077 annually.
Laurel Technical Institute did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for computer science students. It came in at #18 on the list. LTI - Meadville is located in MEADVILLE, Pennsylvania and has a very small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 7 degrees to qualified students.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at LTI - Meadville are $10,582 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,330 in student loans. During the early years of their career, LTI - Meadville graduates make an average of $23,486 annually.
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Computer Science Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. Bloomsburg is a medium-sized public school situated in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. It awarded 75 degrees in 2020-2021.
Bloomsburg undergraduate students pay an average of $22,806 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,788 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $263. During the early years of their career, Bloomsburg graduates make an average of $41,760 annually.
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania ranked #20 on this year’s Best Value Computer Science Schools in Pennsylvania list. Edinboro is a small public school situated in Edinboro, Pennsylvania. It awarded 21 degrees in 2020-2021.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Edinboro are $15,062 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,793 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $222 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Edinboro graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,438 during the early year of their career.
DeVry University - Pennsylvania landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value computer science programs. Located in Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania, the very small private for-profit school awarded 6 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at DeVry University - Pennsylvania are $15,032 per year. On average, students take out $42,200 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $163. During the early years of their career, DeVry University - Pennsylvania graduates make an average of $51,998 annually.
Pennsylvania College of Technology landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value computer science programs. Penn College is a small public school situated in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. It awarded 102 degrees in 2020-2021.
Penn College undergraduate students pay an average of $25,170 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $29,382 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $451.After graduating from Penn College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,580 during the early years of their career.
South Hills School of Business & Technology came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Computer Science Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. This very small private for-profit school is located in State College, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 27 degrees in 2020-2021.
South Hills School of Business & Technology undergraduate students pay an average of $18,878 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $22,097 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $257, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, South Hills School of Business & Technology graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $30,369 during the early year of their career.
University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Computer Science Schools in Pennsylvania list. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 694 students in 2020-2021.
Pitt undergraduate students pay an average of $35,394 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $23,994 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $447 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Pitt, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,696 during the early years of their career.
In addition to its great value ranking, Pitt is in the top 15% of all schools on our Best Computer Science Schools in Pennsylvania list.
Read full report on University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh Technical College ranked #25 on this year’s Best Value Computer Science Schools in Pennsylvania list. Oakdale, Pennsylvania is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 85 students in 2020-2021.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Pittsburgh Technical College are $16,699 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,968 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $228, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Pittsburgh Technical College graduates make an average of $33,711 annually.
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Notes and References
Footnotes
*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.
References
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
- Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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