2026 Best Value Computer Science Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

Brigham Young University Provo

Provo, UT

For return on investment, no school beat Brigham Young University Provo this year in the United States. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Typical Computer Science student debt is $12,000. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile

#2

North Dakota State University Main Campus

Fargo, ND

A rank of #2 makes North Dakota State University Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $25,959. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,959 median debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus

#3

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

You'll get strong value at Cornell University, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. Cornell University Computer Science students take on a median of $14,698 in debt. Median earnings reach $104,043 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,698 median debt. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants. Get the full Cornell University report

#4

Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO

A rank of #4 makes Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs one of the best values in the United States. Set in Colorado Springs, CO, Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,750. Graduates carry a median of $44,014 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,180. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs report

#5

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Berkeley earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Graduates carry a median of $13,900 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,446. Set against $13,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California Berkeley

#6

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign has an acceptance rate of 42%. See the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign profile

#7

Depaul University

Chicago, IL

Depaul University placed #7 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Located in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $45,405 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,310 to complete their Computer Science program here. Depaul University alumni report median earnings of $68,751 a decade after entry. Set against $25,310 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read more about Depaul University

#8

Marquette University

Milwaukee, WI

Marquette University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,170. Graduates carry a median of $24,122 in student loans. Marquette University alumni report median earnings of $78,257 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,122 median debt. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Marquette University

#9

Texas A And M University College Station

College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. The median Computer Science program debt is $20,187. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. Set against $20,187 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station

#9

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA

Lehigh University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bethlehem, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,980. Graduates carry a median of $23,854 in student loans. Median earnings reach $105,584 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lehigh University has an acceptance rate of 26%. Read more about Lehigh University

#11

The University Of Texas At El Paso

El Paso, TX

The University Of Texas At El Paso came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,544, while out-of-state students pay about $25,502. The median Computer Science program debt is $19,819. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,923. That is a strong return on a $19,819 median debt. The University Of Texas At El Paso admits about 100% of applicants. See the full The University Of Texas At El Paso profile

#12

Michigan Technological University

Houghton, MI

Michigan Technological University placed #12 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Based in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $20,532, compared with $44,807 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,763 to complete their Computer Science program here. Michigan Technological University alumni report median earnings of $78,198 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Michigan Technological University report

#13

University Of California San Diego

La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Located in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $16,550. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,943 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,550 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of California San Diego

#14

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Graduates carry a median of $19,375 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. That is a strong return on a $19,375 median debt. Purdue University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 50%. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus

#15

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA

Carnegie Mellon University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,636. Typical Computer Science student debt is $21,442. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $114,862. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Carnegie Mellon University admits about 12% of applicants. More on Carnegie Mellon University

#15

University Of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Santa Barbara, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. The median Computer Science program debt is $11,000. University Of California Santa Barbara alumni report median earnings of $74,915 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Santa Barbara has an acceptance rate of 33%. See the full University Of California Santa Barbara profile

#15

California Institute Of Technology

Pasadena, CA

California Institute Of Technology ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. California Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Pasadena, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,898. Graduates go on to earn a median of $128,566 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 3%. More on California Institute Of Technology

#18

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Stanford University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Stanford, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. The median Computer Science program debt is $10,399. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $124,080. Set against $10,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%. Read more about Stanford University

#19

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

Atlanta, GA

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,058, compared with $34,484 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $24,323. Graduates go on to earn a median of $102,772 ten years after entry. Set against $24,323 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 14%. See the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus profile

#20

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX

Southern Methodist University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Dallas, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,040. The median Computer Science program debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $78,354 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted. See the full Southern Methodist University profile

#21

University Of Maryland College Park

College Park, MD

University Of Maryland College Park ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. This public school is set in College Park, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. University Of Maryland College Park Computer Science students take on a median of $20,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,860. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Maryland College Park has an acceptance rate of 45%. See the full University Of Maryland College Park profile

#21

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Iowa State University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Students borrow a median of $24,663 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,663 median debt. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read the full report on Iowa State University

#23

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Students borrow a median of $14,131 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $72,200 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,131 median debt. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill report

#24

University Of Georgia

Athens, GA

University Of Georgia landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Typical Computer Science student debt is $22,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants. More on University Of Georgia

#25

Brown University

Providence, RI

Brown University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,312. Graduates carry a median of $11,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $93,487 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brown University has an acceptance rate of 5%. Get the full Brown University report

#26

Texas State University San Marcos

San Marcos, TX

Texas State University San Marcos came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,445 to complete their Computer Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,906. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. See the full Texas State University San Marcos profile

#27

Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, NY

Stony Brook University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Stony Brook, NY, Stony Brook University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,931, while out-of-state students pay about $32,741. The median Computer Science program debt is $20,537. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,502. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 49% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Stony Brook University

#28

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

Harvard University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,676 in tuition and fees. The median Computer Science program debt is $16,616. Graduates go on to earn a median of $101,817 ten years after entry. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. See the full Harvard University profile

#28

New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology

Socorro, NM

New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Socorro, NM, New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,476 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,247. New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology Computer Science students take on a median of $18,747 in debt. New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology alumni report median earnings of $76,489 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 44% of applicants are accepted. Get the full New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology report

#30

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Typical Computer Science student debt is $19,500. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities alumni report median earnings of $69,020 a decade after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

#30

North Carolina State University At Raleigh

Raleigh, NC

North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #30 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $21,073 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,758. That is a strong return on a $21,073 median debt. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh

#32

University Of California Irvine

Irvine, CA

University Of California Irvine came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. The median Computer Science program debt is $15,500. Median earnings reach $80,735 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Irvine has an acceptance rate of 29%. More on University Of California Irvine

#33

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology

Cambridge, MA

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology placed #33 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. Students from in state pay about $62,396 in tuition and fees. Typical Computer Science student debt is $12,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $143,372 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read more about Massachusetts Institute Of Technology

#34

University Of Maryland Baltimore County

Baltimore, MD

University Of Maryland Baltimore County ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Based in Baltimore, MD, University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,256, compared with $31,225 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $20,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,960. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Maryland Baltimore County

#35

University Of Memphis

Memphis, TN

University Of Memphis came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,672 in student loans. Median earnings reach $48,458 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,672 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Memphis profile

#36

University Of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. University Of Utah Computer Science students take on a median of $19,947 in debt. University Of Utah alumni report median earnings of $67,170 a decade after entry. Set against $19,947 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants. See the full University Of Utah profile

#37

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester, MA

Worcester Polytechnic Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Worcester, MA, Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $60,765 in tuition and fees. The median Computer Science program debt is $27,000. Worcester Polytechnic Institute alumni report median earnings of $103,470 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Worcester Polytechnic Institute admits about 60% of applicants. Read more about Worcester Polytechnic Institute

#38

Duke University

Durham, NC

Duke University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,758. Students borrow a median of $13,500 to complete their Computer Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $97,800. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Duke University

#38

George Washington University

Washington, DC

George Washington University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Located in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,710 in tuition and fees. The median Computer Science program debt is $19,500. George Washington University alumni report median earnings of $90,873 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Roughly 47% of applicants are accepted. See the full George Washington University profile

#40

Florida Institute Of Technology

Melbourne, FL

Florida Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Set in Melbourne, FL, Florida Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,900. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $43,137 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Florida Institute Of Technology

#41

Montana State University

Bozeman, MT

Montana State University placed #41 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Bozeman, MT, Montana State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,460, while out-of-state students pay about $33,287. Montana State University Computer Science students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,263 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Montana State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Montana State University

#42

Suny At Binghamton

Vestal, NY

Suny At Binghamton came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Set in Vestal, NY, Suny At Binghamton is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,567, with out-of-state students paying around $30,447. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Computer Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,596. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny At Binghamton has an acceptance rate of 39%. Read the full report on Suny At Binghamton

#42

Washington State University

Pullman, WA

Washington State University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. This public school is set in Pullman, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Washington State University Computer Science students take on a median of $22,453 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,905. Set against $22,453 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read more about Washington State University

#44

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nashville, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,498. Graduates carry a median of $14,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $91,565. Set against $14,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 6%. See the full Vanderbilt University profile

#45

Portland State University

Portland, OR

Portland State University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Portland State University is a public school based in Portland, OR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,118, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. The median Computer Science program debt is $31,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,906. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Portland State University admits about 91% of applicants. Read the full report on Portland State University

#46

Indiana University Bloomington

Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Indiana University Bloomington is a public school based in Bloomington, IN. Students from in state pay about $12,144 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Indiana University Bloomington Computer Science students take on a median of $20,417 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,742. Set against $20,417 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Bloomington has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about Indiana University Bloomington

#47

University Of Illinois At Chicago

Chicago, IL

University Of Illinois At Chicago placed #47 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Based in Chicago, IL, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,949 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $32,009. The median Computer Science program debt is $19,087. Median earnings reach $68,740 ten years out. Set against $19,087 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Chicago

#48

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Arizona State University

#49

Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR

Oregon State University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Oregon State University is a public school based in Corvallis, OR. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,190 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $64,010 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Oregon State University report

#49

Dartmouth College

Hanover, NH

Dartmouth College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Hanover, NH, Dartmouth College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,019. Graduates carry a median of $18,490 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $97,434 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,490 median debt. The acceptance rate is 5%. Read more about Dartmouth College