2026 Best Value Computer Science Schools
Looking for the best-value Computer Science programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1091 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, 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 Science Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Collin County Community College District earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Based in McKinney, TX, Collin County Community College District is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,014 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,064 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,716 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,701. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Collin County Community College District
Request InformationOut of the 1091 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, North Hennepin Community College landed the #2 spot. This public school is set in Brooklyn Park, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,061. The median Computer Science program debt is $15,751. Median earnings reach $51,142 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,751 median debt. Read more about North Hennepin Community College
Request InformationOut of the 1091 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Lake Area Technical Institute landed the #3 spot. Lake Area Technical Institute is a public school based in Watertown, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $6,718. Students borrow a median of $12,458 to complete their Computer Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,473. That is a strong return on a $12,458 median debt. More on Lake Area Technical Institute
Request InformationOut of the 1091 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Normandale Community College landed the #4 spot. Located in Bloomington, MN, Normandale Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,329 in tuition and fees. Normandale Community College Computer Science students take on a median of $15,708 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,207. Set against $15,708 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Normandale Community College profile
Request InformationWestern Governors University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Computer Science ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. Students from in state pay about $8,658 in tuition and fees. The median Computer Science program debt is $17,796. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,615 ten years after entry. Set against $17,796 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Western Governors University
Request InformationBrigham Young University Idaho offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,800. The median Computer Science program debt is $7,821. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,406. Set against $7,821 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Idaho has an acceptance rate of 96%. See the full Brigham Young University Idaho profile
Request InformationBunker Hill Community College placed #7 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Bunker Hill Community College is a public school based in Boston, MA. Students from in state pay about $6,168 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,112. Bunker Hill Community College Computer Science students take on a median of $9,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,618 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Bunker Hill Community College
Request InformationAnoka Ramsey Community College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Coon Rapids, MN. Students from in state pay about $5,682 in tuition and fees. Typical Computer Science student debt is $22,593. Anoka Ramsey Community College alumni report median earnings of $48,342 a decade after entry. Set against $22,593 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Anoka Ramsey Community College
Request InformationBrigham Young University Provo ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Computer Science students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
Request InformationEl Centro College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,730, with out-of-state students paying around $6,900. Graduates carry a median of $14,557 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,714. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full El Centro College profile
Request InformationGrantham University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in LIttle Rock, AR, Grantham University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,520 in tuition and fees. Typical Computer Science student debt is $33,610. Grantham University alumni report median earnings of $63,496 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Grantham University profile
Request InformationBellevue College landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Bellevue, WA. Students from in state pay about $4,436 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,502. Bellevue College Computer Science students take on a median of $18,839 in debt. 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 InformationNorthwest Missouri State University placed #13 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,611, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,585 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,885 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwest Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Northwest Missouri State University
Request InformationIvy Tech Community College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,154, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,186. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Ivy Tech Community College
Request InformationNorthern Virginia Community College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Annandale, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,891, with out-of-state students paying around $12,410. Typical Computer Science student debt is $13,000. Northern Virginia Community College alumni report median earnings of $53,557 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Northern Virginia Community College
Request InformationLone Star College System came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in The Woodlands, TX, Lone Star College System is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,664, compared with $7,512 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,425 in student loans. Lone Star College System alumni report median earnings of $42,466 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Lone Star College System
Request InformationLake Washington Institute Of Technology landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Kirkland, WA, Lake Washington Institute Of Technology is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,997, while out-of-state students pay about $12,062. Typical Computer Science student debt is $19,695. Lake Washington Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $50,669 a decade after entry. Set against $19,695 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Lake Washington Institute Of Technology profile
Request InformationArizona State University Skysong came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Graduates carry a median of $23,742 in student loans. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
Request InformationSouth Texas College placed #19 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. South Texas College is a public school based in McAllen, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $4,920, compared with $7,620 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $6,868 to complete their Computer Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,788. Set against $6,868 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on South Texas College
Request InformationSaint Paul College A Community And Technical College landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,326. The median Computer Science program debt is $17,650. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,399. That is a strong return on a $17,650 median debt. More on Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
Request InformationMonroe Community College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Rochester, NY, Monroe Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,006, while out-of-state students pay about $11,056. Monroe Community College Computer Science students take on a median of $11,625 in debt. Monroe Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,174 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,625 median debt. Get the full Monroe Community College report
Request InformationUniversity Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Mayaguez, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,274. The median Computer Science program debt is $8,630. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,992. Set against $8,630 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez admits about 56% of applicants. Get the full University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez report
Request InformationItawamba Community College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Itawamba Community College is a public school based in Fulton, MS. Students from in state pay about $3,420 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,820 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $10,942. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,912 ten years after entry. Set against $10,942 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Itawamba Community College
Request InformationMetropolitan State University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,840 in tuition and fees. Typical Computer Science student debt is $27,008. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,705. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. More on Metropolitan State University
Request InformationSouthern Maine Community College came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in South Portland, ME, Southern Maine Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,156, while out-of-state students pay about $7,036. The median Computer Science program debt is $13,869. Median earnings reach $41,661 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,869 median debt. Get the full Southern Maine Community College report
Request InformationRest of the Top 50 Best-Value Computer Science Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Florida Polytechnic University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. This public school is set in Lakeland, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,940, compared with $21,004 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $7,500. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Florida Polytechnic University
Request InformationWilmington University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,630. Graduates carry a median of $26,054 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,844. Set against $26,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Wilmington University
Request InformationHenry Ford Community College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dearborn, MI, Henry Ford Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,568 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,816 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,876 to complete their Computer Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,795 ten years after entry. Set against $18,876 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Henry Ford Community College
Request InformationCuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in New York, NY, Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,170, while out-of-state students pay about $8,050. Graduates carry a median of $10,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,306 ten years out. Set against $10,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College report
Request InformationCentral New Mexico Community College placed #30 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Albuquerque, NM. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,060, with out-of-state students paying around $8,684. Graduates carry a median of $10,112 in student loans. Median earnings reach $36,869 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,112 median debt. More on Central New Mexico Community College
Request InformationWestern Carolina University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in Cullowhee, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,630, compared with $8,630 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Computer Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,458. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. See the full Western Carolina University profile
Request InformationButler Community College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. This public school is set in El Dorado, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,541, with out-of-state students paying around $6,271. Students borrow a median of $16,670 to complete their Computer Science program here. Butler Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,206 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,670 median debt. Read the full report on Butler Community College
Request InformationErie Community College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Buffalo, NY, Erie Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,100 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,300. Typical Computer Science student debt is $12,580. Median earnings reach $41,228 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,580 median debt. See the full Erie Community College profile
Request InformationSpringfield Technical Community College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. This public school is set in Springfield, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,904, compared with $11,112 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,707 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $36,966 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,707 median debt. Read the full report on Springfield Technical Community College
Request InformationInter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce placed #35 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Located in Mercedita, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,780. Students borrow a median of $9,833 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $26,721 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,833 median debt. The acceptance rate is 34%. See the full Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce profile
Request InformationSouthern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Students borrow a median of $21,745 to complete their Computer Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Request InformationUniversity Of Wisconsin Stevens Point came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public school based in Stevens Point, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, compared with $18,248 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $24,161. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point alumni report median earnings of $52,021 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point profile
Request InformationJohn Tyler Community College landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. John Tyler Community College is a public school based in Chester, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,082, while out-of-state students pay about $11,520. Typical Computer Science student debt is $11,262. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,223. Set against $11,262 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about John Tyler Community College
Request InformationWest Texas A And M University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Based in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. Typical Computer Science student debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,741. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read the full report on West Texas A And M University
Request InformationOnondaga Community College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Syracuse, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,102, while out-of-state students pay about $11,392. Graduates carry a median of $12,623 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,190 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,623 median debt. Get the full Onondaga Community College report
Request InformationHarrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg placed #41 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Based in Harrisburg, PA, Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,975 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,472 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $20,867. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,007. That is a strong return on a $20,867 median debt. Read the full report on Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg
Request InformationSaint Cloud State University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Located in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,245. Graduates carry a median of $27,360 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,813. Set against $27,360 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Cloud State University has an acceptance rate of 95%. More on Saint Cloud State University
Request InformationBemidji State University placed #43 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Bemidji State University is a public school based in Bemidji, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,237. Students borrow a median of $25,819 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $53,755 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. More on Bemidji State University
Request InformationNorth Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. The median Computer Science program debt is $25,959. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
Request InformationElizabeth City State University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Located in Elizabeth City, NC, Elizabeth City State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,536, with out-of-state students paying around $10,536. Elizabeth City State University Computer Science students take on a median of $26,992 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,026 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Elizabeth City State University has an acceptance rate of 64%. See the full Elizabeth City State University profile
Request InformationFranklin University placed #46 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Based in Columbus, OH, Franklin University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,577. Graduates carry a median of $47,834 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,892. That is a strong return on a $47,834 median debt. Read more about Franklin University
Request InformationYoungstown State University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read more about Youngstown State University
Request InformationUniversity Of Akron Main Campus placed #48 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Akron, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. University Of Akron Main Campus Computer Science students take on a median of $25,347 in debt. Median earnings reach $46,600 ten years out. Set against $25,347 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
Request InformationUniversity Of Wisconsin Oshkosh landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public school based in Oshkosh, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,532, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh Computer Science students take on a median of $24,619 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,548 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh admits about 86% of applicants. More on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Request InformationBaker College Of Flint landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Owosso, MI, Baker College Of Flint is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,000. Graduates carry a median of $38,134 in student loans. Baker College Of Flint alumni report median earnings of $35,833 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $38,134 median debt. Baker College Of Flint has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about Baker College Of Flint
Request InformationBest Value Computer Science Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Computer Science Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Science Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Science Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Science Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Science Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Science Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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 1091 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).