2026 Best Value Computer Programming Schools
Looking for the best-value Computer Programming programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 642 schools 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.
To arm you with the information you need, Computer Science Degree 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 Programming Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
North Hennepin Community College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Brooklyn Park, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,061. North Hennepin Community College Computer Programming students take on a median of $21,241 in debt. North Hennepin Community College alumni report median earnings of $51,142 a decade after entry. Set against $21,241 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on North Hennepin Community College
Request InformationThe strong cost-to-outcome balance at Indian Hills Community College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Set in Ottumwa, IA, Indian Hills Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,040 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,120 for out-of-state students. Indian Hills Community College Computer Programming students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,507. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Indian Hills Community College profile
Request InformationMadison Area Technical College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Computer Programming ranking in the United States. Based in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,977, with out-of-state students paying around $7,141. Madison Area Technical College Computer Programming students take on a median of $16,812 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,413. That is a strong return on a $16,812 median debt. Get the full Madison Area Technical College report
Request InformationA rank of #4 makes St Cloud Technical And Community College one of the best values in the United States. St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,124. St Cloud Technical And Community College Computer Programming students take on a median of $16,734 in debt. St Cloud Technical And Community College alumni report median earnings of $46,874 a decade after entry. Set against $16,734 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about St Cloud Technical And Community College
Request InformationA rank of #5 makes Fox Valley Technical College one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Appleton, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,040, compared with $7,283 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,812 to complete their Computer Programming program here. Median earnings reach $45,684 ten years out. Set against $13,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Fox Valley Technical College report
Request InformationSeattle Community College North Campus came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in Seattle, WA, Seattle Community College North Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,238, while out-of-state students pay about $5,796. The median Computer Programming program debt is $19,504. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,728. That is a strong return on a $19,504 median debt. Get the full Seattle Community College North Campus report
Request InformationWaukesha County Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This public school is set in Pewaukee, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,803 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,046. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $16,595. Waukesha County Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,894 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Waukesha County Technical College profile
Request InformationChattahoochee Technical College placed #8 among the best-value Computer Programming schools in the United States. Chattahoochee Technical College is a public school based in Marietta, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,540, while out-of-state students pay about $6,108. Graduates carry a median of $9,616 in student loans. Chattahoochee Technical College alumni report median earnings of $37,138 a decade after entry. Set against $9,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Chattahoochee Technical College profile
Request InformationChippewa Valley Technical College placed #9 among the best-value Computer Programming schools in the United States. Located in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,844, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $18,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,297 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Chippewa Valley Technical College
Request InformationGwinnett Technical College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lawrenceville, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,524, while out-of-state students pay about $6,092. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $6,500. Median earnings reach $45,025 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Gwinnett Technical College
Request InformationWestern Governors University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,658. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $23,277. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,615. That is a strong return on a $23,277 median debt. See the full Western Governors University profile
Request InformationWisconsin Indianhead Technical College landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Rice Lake, WI, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,926, with out-of-state students paying around $7,169. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $11,384. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College alumni report median earnings of $43,406 a decade after entry. Set against $11,384 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
Request InformationBrigham Young University Idaho ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rexburg, ID. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $13,287. Median earnings reach $53,406 ten years out. Set against $13,287 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. See the full Brigham Young University Idaho profile
Request InformationJohnson County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $5,688. Graduates carry a median of $13,532 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,387 ten years out. Set against $13,532 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Johnson County Community College
Request InformationCincinnati State Technical And Community College placed #15 among the best-value Computer Programming schools in the United States. Set in Cincinnati, OH, Cincinnati State Technical And Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,517, with out-of-state students paying around $10,044. Graduates carry a median of $12,736 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,137. That is a strong return on a $12,736 median debt. Get the full Cincinnati State Technical And Community College report
Request InformationMid State Technical College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. Located in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Mid State Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,002 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,171. Mid State Technical College Computer Programming students take on a median of $11,626 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,253 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,626 median debt. Read more about Mid State Technical College
Request InformationSinclair Community College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. Located in Dayton, OH, Sinclair Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,675, with out-of-state students paying around $8,556. Sinclair Community College Computer Programming students take on a median of $12,525 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,558. Set against $12,525 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Sinclair Community College profile
Request InformationMoraine Park Technical College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fond du Lac, WI, Moraine Park Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,819 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,084 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Programming program debt is $11,471. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,371. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Moraine Park Technical College
Request InformationEl Centro College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,730 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,900. El Centro College Computer Programming students take on a median of $20,508 in debt. El Centro College alumni report median earnings of $41,714 a decade after entry. Set against $20,508 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full El Centro College profile
Request InformationSoutheast Technical Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Sioux Falls, SD, Southeast Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,650. Southeast Technical Institute Computer Programming students take on a median of $14,827 in debt. Median earnings reach $46,709 ten years out. Set against $14,827 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Southeast Technical Institute profile
Request InformationBunker Hill Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. This public school is set in Boston, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,168, with out-of-state students paying around $11,112. Graduates carry a median of $11,893 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,618. Set against $11,893 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Bunker Hill Community College
Request InformationBellevue University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bellevue, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $12,873. The median Computer Programming program debt is $26,108. Bellevue University alumni report median earnings of $61,289 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Bellevue University
Request InformationDakota County Technical College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Set in Rosemount, MN, Dakota County Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,679. The median Computer Programming program debt is $13,474. Median earnings reach $51,938 ten years out. Set against $13,474 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Dakota County Technical College
Request InformationNortheast Wisconsin Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public school based in Green Bay, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,960, with out-of-state students paying around $7,203. Students borrow a median of $14,997 to complete their Computer Programming program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,553. That is a strong return on a $14,997 median debt. More on Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Request InformationAugusta Technical College ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. Based in Augusta, GA, Augusta Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,282, with out-of-state students paying around $7,492. Augusta Technical College Computer Programming 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
Request InformationRest of the Top 50 Best-Value Computer Programming Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Phoenix Arizona placed #27 among the best-value Computer Programming schools in the United States. University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $9,552. Students borrow a median of $31,821 to complete their Computer Programming program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,752. That is a strong return on a $31,821 median debt. Read more about University Of Phoenix Arizona
Request InformationNortheast Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Northeast Community College is a public school based in Norfolk, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,840, while out-of-state students pay about $5,130. The median Computer Programming program debt is $11,937. Northeast Community College alumni report median earnings of $42,634 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,937 median debt. Get the full Northeast Community College report
Request InformationHennepin Technical College placed #29 among the best-value Computer Programming schools in the United States. Hennepin Technical College is a public school based in Brooklyn Park, MN. Students from in state pay about $5,940 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $17,887 to complete their Computer Programming program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,460 ten years after entry. Set against $17,887 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Hennepin Technical College
Request InformationBellevue College landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Bellevue, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,436, with out-of-state students paying around $10,502. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $18,839. Bellevue College alumni report median earnings of $56,310 a decade after entry. Set against $18,839 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Bellevue College profile
Request InformationWashtenaw Community College landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ann Arbor, MI, Washtenaw Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,736, with out-of-state students paying around $6,504. Washtenaw Community College Computer Programming students take on a median of $17,616 in debt. Median earnings reach $39,449 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Washtenaw Community College
Request InformationGeorgia Military College Milledgeville offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Georgia Military College Milledgeville is a public school based in Milledgeville, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,605. Georgia Military College Milledgeville Computer Programming students take on a median of $13,587 in debt. Georgia Military College Milledgeville alumni report median earnings of $39,257 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,587 median debt. More on Georgia Military College Milledgeville
Request InformationAthens Technical College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. This public school is set in Athens, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,390 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,958. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $9,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,951. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. Read the full report on Athens Technical College
Request InformationMilwaukee Area Technical College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,184, while out-of-state students pay about $7,427. Milwaukee Area Technical College Computer Programming students take on a median of $18,296 in debt. Milwaukee Area Technical College alumni report median earnings of $41,113 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,296 median debt. More on Milwaukee Area Technical College
Request InformationMinneapolis Community And Technical College placed #35 among the best-value Computer Programming schools in the United States. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,161 in tuition and fees. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $22,600. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,086 ten years after entry. Set against $22,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Minneapolis Community And Technical College profile
Request InformationGateway Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Gateway Technical College is a public school based in Kenosha, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,956 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,199. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $9,833. Gateway Technical College alumni report median earnings of $40,264 a decade after entry. Set against $9,833 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Gateway Technical College profile
Request InformationAmarillo College placed #37 among the best-value Computer Programming schools in the United States. Set in Amarillo, TX, Amarillo College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,136, compared with $4,704 for out-of-state students. Amarillo College Computer Programming students take on a median of $11,884 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,302. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Amarillo College
Request InformationWest Georgia Technical College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Based in Waco, GA, West Georgia Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,410, with out-of-state students paying around $5,978. Students borrow a median of $12,651 to complete their Computer Programming program here. Median earnings reach $35,479 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,651 median debt. See the full West Georgia Technical College profile
Request InformationWayne County Community College District landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Wayne County Community College District is a public school based in Detroit, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,112, compared with $4,067 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $20,820. Graduates go on to earn a median of $29,079 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,820 median debt. Get the full Wayne County Community College District report
Request InformationOzarks Technical Community College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Ozarks Technical Community College is a public school based in Springfield, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,256, while out-of-state students pay about $7,040. Students borrow a median of $11,964 to complete their Computer Programming program here. Ozarks Technical Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,455 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,964 median debt. More on Ozarks Technical Community College
Request InformationDes Moines Area Community College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Ankeny, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,790, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $14,956. Des Moines Area Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,018 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Des Moines Area Community College
Request InformationLakeshore Technical College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. Set in Cleveland, WI, Lakeshore Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,844, compared with $7,087 for out-of-state students. Lakeshore Technical College Computer Programming students take on a median of $11,582 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,113. Set against $11,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Lakeshore Technical College
Request InformationClover Park Technical College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lakewood, WA, Clover Park Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,634. The median Computer Programming program debt is $15,154. Clover Park Technical College alumni report median earnings of $41,787 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Clover Park Technical College profile
Request InformationIvy Tech Community College landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,154, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,889 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,186. That is a strong return on a $11,889 median debt. See the full Ivy Tech Community College profile
Request InformationKirkwood Community College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. Based in Cedar Rapids, IA, Kirkwood Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,176, with out-of-state students paying around $8,220. Graduates carry a median of $15,737 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,016. That is a strong return on a $15,737 median debt. Get the full Kirkwood Community College report
Request InformationSouthwestern Illinois College landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Belleville, IL, Southwestern Illinois College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,230, with out-of-state students paying around $6,720. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $10,388. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,884 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Southwestern Illinois College report
Request InformationHenry Ford Community College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Henry Ford Community College is a public school based in Dearborn, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $3,568, compared with $7,816 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,138 to complete their Computer Programming program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,795 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,138 median debt. Read more about Henry Ford Community College
Request InformationCuyahoga Community College District landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Cleveland, OH, Cuyahoga Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,249, while out-of-state students pay about $7,249. Students borrow a median of $14,636 to complete their Computer Programming program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,654 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,636 median debt. Get the full Cuyahoga Community College District report
Request InformationGeorgia Piedmont Technical College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Georgia Piedmont Technical College is a public school based in Clarkston, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,404, with out-of-state students paying around $5,954. Georgia Piedmont Technical College Computer Programming students take on a median of $15,716 in debt. Median earnings reach $34,619 ten years out. Set against $15,716 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Georgia Piedmont Technical College profile
Request InformationAmerican Public University System placed #50 among the best-value Computer Programming schools in the United States. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. The median Computer Programming program debt is $23,438. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full American Public University System report
Request InformationLake Washington Institute Of Technology came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Based in Kirkland, WA, Lake Washington Institute Of Technology is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,997 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,062 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,695 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,669 ten years after entry. Set against $19,695 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Lake Washington Institute Of Technology
Request InformationBest Value Computer Programming Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Computer Programming Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Programming Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Programming Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Programming Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Programming Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Programming Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Programming Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Computer Science Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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 642 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).