2026 Best Value Computer Programming Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Computer Programming associate’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 642 colleges 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 arm you with the information you need, Computer Science Degree evaluated schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Computer Programming Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Indian Hills Community College this year in the United States. This public school is set in Ottumwa, IA. Students from in state pay about $5,040 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,120 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $12,000. Indian Hills Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,507 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Read the full report on Indian Hills Community College
Request InformationA rank of #2 makes St Cloud Technical And Community College one of the best values in the United States. Located in Saint Cloud, MN, St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,124. Students borrow a median of $16,734 to complete their Computer Programming program here. Median earnings reach $46,874 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full St Cloud Technical And Community College profile
Request InformationYou'll get strong value at Fox Valley Technical College, which ranked #3 this year. Fox Valley Technical College is a public school based in Appleton, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,040, while out-of-state students pay about $7,283. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $13,812. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,684. That is a strong return on a $13,812 median debt. See the full Fox Valley Technical College profile
Request InformationYou'll get strong value at Waukesha County Technical College, which ranked #4 this year. Set in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,803, compared with $7,046 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Programming program debt is $16,595. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,894 ten years after entry. Set against $16,595 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Waukesha County Technical College profile
Request InformationOut of the 642 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Seattle Community College North Campus landed the #5 spot. Located 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. Students borrow a median of $19,504 to complete their Computer Programming program here. Seattle Community College North Campus alumni report median earnings of $47,728 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Seattle Community College North Campus
Request InformationGwinnett Technical College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. This public school is set in Lawrenceville, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,524, with out-of-state students paying around $6,092. The median Computer Programming program debt is $6,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,025. That is a strong return on a $6,500 median debt. More on Gwinnett Technical College
Request InformationWisconsin Indianhead Technical College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is a public school based in Rice Lake, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,926, compared with $7,169 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,384 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,406 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College profile
Request InformationChippewa Valley Technical College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public school based in Eau Claire, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,844, compared with $7,087 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete their Computer Programming program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,297. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt. Read the full report on Chippewa Valley Technical College
Request InformationJohnson County Community College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Johnson County Community College is a public school based in Overland Park, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $5,688. Johnson County Community College Computer Programming students take on a median of $13,532 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,387 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Johnson County Community College
Request InformationChattahoochee Technical College placed #10 among the best-value Computer Programming schools in the United States. Set 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. Graduates carry a median of $9,616 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,138 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Chattahoochee Technical College
Request InformationBrigham Young University Idaho landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rexburg, ID. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800. Graduates carry a median of $13,287 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,406. Set against $13,287 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Idaho
Request InformationCincinnati State Technical And Community College landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Cincinnati, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,517, with out-of-state students paying around $10,044. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $12,736. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,137. That is a strong return on a $12,736 median debt. Read the full report on Cincinnati State Technical And Community College
Request InformationEl Centro College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. El Centro College is a public school based in Dallas, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,730, with out-of-state students paying around $6,900. El Centro College Computer Programming students take on a median of $20,508 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,714. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about El Centro College
Request InformationMid State Technical College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Mid State Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,002, with out-of-state students paying around $7,171. Students borrow a median of $11,626 to complete their Computer Programming program here. Median earnings reach $42,253 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Mid State Technical College
Request InformationSinclair Community College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Dayton, OH, Sinclair Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,675, while out-of-state students pay about $8,556. Sinclair Community College Computer Programming students take on a median of $12,525 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,558 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Sinclair Community College
Request InformationSoutheast Technical Institute came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Sioux Falls, SD, Southeast Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,650. Students borrow a median of $14,827 to complete their Computer Programming program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,709. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Southeast Technical Institute
Request InformationMoraine Park Technical College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Based 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, while out-of-state students pay about $7,084. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $11,471. Median earnings reach $44,371 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Moraine Park Technical College report
Request InformationBunker Hill Community College placed #18 among the best-value Computer Programming schools in the United States. Set 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. The median Computer Programming program debt is $11,893. Median earnings reach $47,618 ten years out. Set against $11,893 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Bunker Hill Community College report
Request InformationDakota County Technical College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Rosemount, MN, Dakota County Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,679. Students borrow a median of $13,474 to complete their Computer Programming program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,938. That is a strong return on a $13,474 median debt. Read more about Dakota County Technical College
Request InformationHennepin Technical College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Hennepin Technical College is a public school based in Brooklyn Park, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,940. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $17,887. Median earnings reach $49,460 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,887 median debt. More on Hennepin Technical College
Request InformationMinneapolis Community And Technical College placed #22 among the best-value Computer Programming schools in the United States. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Minneapolis Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,161. Minneapolis Community And Technical College Computer Programming students take on a median of $22,600 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,086 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,600 median debt. See the full Minneapolis Community And Technical College profile
Request InformationNortheast Wisconsin Technical College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Green Bay, WI, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,960 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,203 for out-of-state students. 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. Set against $14,997 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Northeast Wisconsin Technical College report
Request InformationBellevue College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. Located in Bellevue, WA, Bellevue College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,436, with out-of-state students paying around $10,502. Students borrow a median of $18,839 to complete their Computer Programming program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,310 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Bellevue College profile
Request InformationWashtenaw Community College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, Washtenaw Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,736, with out-of-state students paying around $6,504. The median Computer Programming program debt is $17,616. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,449 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Washtenaw Community College profile
Request InformationGeorgia Military College Milledgeville ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. This public school is set in Milledgeville, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,605. The median Computer Programming program debt is $13,587. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,257. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Georgia Military College Milledgeville report
Request InformationRest of the Top 50 Best-Value Computer Programming Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Augusta Technical College placed #27 among the best-value Computer Programming schools in the United States. Augusta Technical College is a public school based in Augusta, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,282, compared with $7,492 for out-of-state students. Augusta Technical College Computer Programming students take on a median of $11,400 in debt. Median earnings reach $33,523 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Augusta Technical College profile
Request InformationMilwaukee Area Technical College landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. Students from in state pay about $5,184 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,427 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,296 to complete their Computer Programming program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,113 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,296 median debt. More on Milwaukee Area Technical College
Request InformationClover Park Technical College ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. Located in Lakewood, WA, Clover Park Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,634. Graduates carry a median of $15,154 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,787 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,154 median debt. Read more about Clover Park Technical College
Request InformationGateway Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This public school is set in Kenosha, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,956, compared with $7,199 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Programming program debt is $9,833. Median earnings reach $40,264 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,833 median debt. See the full Gateway Technical College profile
Request InformationLakeshore Technical College placed #31 among the best-value Computer Programming schools in the United States. Set in Cleveland, WI, Lakeshore Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,844, compared with $7,087 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,582 to complete their Computer Programming program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,113 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Lakeshore Technical College
Request InformationDes Moines Area Community College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Ankeny, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,790, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Programming program debt is $14,956. Median earnings reach $41,018 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Des Moines Area Community College profile
Request InformationAmarillo College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Amarillo College is a public school based in Amarillo, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,136, while out-of-state students pay about $4,704. Graduates carry a median of $11,884 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,302. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Amarillo College report
Request InformationSouthwestern Illinois College placed #34 among the best-value Computer Programming schools in the United States. Located in Belleville, IL, Southwestern Illinois College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,230, while out-of-state students pay about $6,720. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $10,388. Median earnings reach $36,884 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,388 median debt. See the full Southwestern Illinois College profile
Request InformationWest Georgia Technical College landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,479 ten years after entry. Set against $12,651 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about West Georgia Technical College
Request InformationKirkwood Community College placed #36 among the best-value Computer Programming schools in the United States. Based in Cedar Rapids, IA, Kirkwood Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,176, while out-of-state students pay about $8,220. Students borrow a median of $15,737 to complete their Computer Programming program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,016. Set against $15,737 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Kirkwood Community College
Request InformationWayne County Community College District came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Set in Detroit, MI, Wayne County Community College District is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,112, with out-of-state students paying around $4,067. Graduates carry a median of $20,820 in student loans. Median earnings reach $29,079 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Wayne County Community College District report
Request InformationLake Washington Institute Of Technology came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Kirkland, WA, Lake Washington Institute Of Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,997, while out-of-state students pay about $12,062. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $19,695. Median earnings reach $50,669 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,695 median debt. Read the full report on Lake Washington Institute Of Technology
Request InformationOzarks Technical Community College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in Springfield, MO, Ozarks Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,256, while out-of-state students pay about $7,040. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $11,964. Median earnings reach $36,455 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Ozarks Technical Community College
Request InformationCuyahoga Community College District ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. Cuyahoga Community College District is a public school based in Cleveland, OH. Students from in state pay about $3,249 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,249. Cuyahoga Community College District Computer Programming students take on a median of $14,636 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,654. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Cuyahoga Community College District
Request InformationHenry Ford Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Dearborn, MI, Henry Ford Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,568, with out-of-state students paying around $7,816. Graduates carry a median of $15,138 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,795. Set against $15,138 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Henry Ford Community College report
Request InformationGeorgia Piedmont Technical College came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Set in Clarkston, GA, Georgia Piedmont Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Georgia Piedmont Technical College alumni report median earnings of $34,619 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,716 median debt. Get the full Georgia Piedmont Technical College report
Request InformationHillsborough Community College placed #43 among the best-value Computer Programming schools in the United States. Hillsborough Community College is a public school based in Tampa, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,491, with out-of-state students paying around $9,088. Graduates carry a median of $16,256 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,782 ten years after entry. Set against $16,256 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Hillsborough Community College report
Request InformationSt Charles Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Set in Cottleville, MO, St Charles Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,810, while out-of-state students pay about $7,620. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $12,606. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,422. Set against $12,606 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about St Charles Community College
Request InformationSaint Paul College A Community And Technical College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Saint Paul, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,326 in tuition and fees. The median Computer Programming program debt is $17,650. Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $38,399 a decade after entry. Set against $17,650 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
Request InformationPortland Community College came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Portland, OR. Students from in state pay about $5,220 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,440. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $24,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,592. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Portland Community College profile
Request InformationWake Technical Community College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Programming schools. 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. Wake Technical Community College Computer Programming students take on a median of $17,900 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,769 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,900 median debt. See the full Wake Technical Community College profile
Request InformationItawamba Community College placed #48 among the best-value Computer Programming schools in the United States. Itawamba Community College is a public school based in Fulton, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,420, compared with $5,820 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,942 to complete their Computer Programming program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,912 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,942 median debt. See the full Itawamba Community College profile
Request InformationLansing Community College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lansing, MI, Lansing Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,100, compared with $11,300 for out-of-state students. Lansing Community College Computer Programming students take on a median of $16,700 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,206. That is a strong return on a $16,700 median debt. Read more about Lansing Community College
Request InformationValencia College landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Orlando, FL, Valencia College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,664, while out-of-state students pay about $9,576. The median Computer Programming program debt is $14,070. Valencia College alumni report median earnings of $40,594 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Valencia College profile
Request InformationLone Star College System landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in The Woodlands, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,664 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,512. Typical Computer Programming student debt is $10,425. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Lone Star College System
Request InformationRelated Computer Programming Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Computer Programming Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Computer Programming Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Programming Undergraduate Certificate 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
This list is compiled by Computer Science Degree (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 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).