2026 Best Value Computer Science Master’s Degree Schools

#1

Brigham Young University Provo

Provo, UT

Brigham Young University Provo earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Computer Science students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo

#2

Northwest Missouri State University

Maryville, MO

A rank of #2 makes Northwest Missouri State University one of the best values 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. Northwest Missouri State University Computer Science students take on a median of $23,585 in debt. Median earnings reach $47,885 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,585 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Northwest Missouri State University

#3

Arizona State University Skysong

Scottsdale, AZ

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arizona State University Skysong earned it the #3 place in the United States. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Graduates carry a median of $23,742 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong

#4

Saint Martins University

Lacey, WA

You'll get strong value at Saint Martins University, which ranked #4 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lacey, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,510. Students borrow a median of $14,667 to complete their Computer Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,092. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Martins University admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Saint Martins University profile

#5

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earned it the #5 place in the United States. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. The median Computer Science program debt is $21,745. Median earnings reach $56,346 ten years out. Set against $21,745 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

#6

Seattle University

Seattle, WA

Seattle University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $56,721 in tuition and fees. Seattle University Computer Science students take on a median of $24,980 in debt. Median earnings reach $75,272 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Seattle University has an acceptance rate of 77%. See the full Seattle University profile

#7

North Dakota State University Main Campus

Fargo, ND

North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,959 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus

#8

Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg, MA

Fitchburg State University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,346, while out-of-state students pay about $17,426. Students borrow a median of $25,840 to complete their Computer Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fitchburg State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read more about Fitchburg State University

#9

Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, MN

Metropolitan State University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,840. Graduates carry a median of $27,008 in student loans. 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. Get the full Metropolitan State University report

#10

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN

Saint Cloud State University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Saint Cloud State University is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,245. Students borrow a median of $27,360 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $55,813 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,360 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Saint Cloud State University report

#10

Villanova University

Villanova, PA

Villanova University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,776 in tuition and fees. The median Computer Science program debt is $26,184. Villanova University alumni report median earnings of $100,423 a decade after entry. Set against $26,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Villanova University has an acceptance rate of 27%. Get the full Villanova University report

#12

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University placed #12 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. Typical Computer Science student debt is $14,698. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Cornell University report

#13

University Of Akron Main Campus

Akron, OH

University Of Akron Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This public school is set in Akron, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $25,347. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,600 ten years after entry. Set against $25,347 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile

#14

Delaware State University

Dover, DE

Delaware State University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Delaware State University is a public school based in Dover, DE. In-state tuition and fees average $10,670, compared with $20,634 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $26,333. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,307. That is a strong return on a $26,333 median debt. Roughly 47% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Delaware State University

#15

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo placed #15 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Located in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Students borrow a median of $19,298 to complete their Computer Science program here. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo alumni report median earnings of $90,768 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,298 median debt. About 31% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo report

#16

University Of Central Arkansas

Conway, AR

University Of Central Arkansas landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Conway, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $10,523, while out-of-state students pay about $18,023. University Of Central Arkansas Computer Science students take on a median of $22,920 in debt. University Of Central Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $45,938 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Central Arkansas admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Central Arkansas

#17

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley placed #17 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Graduates carry a median of $13,900 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. Set against $13,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. More on University Of California Berkeley

#18

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Typical Computer Science student debt is $20,500. 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. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

#19

University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Omaha, NE

University Of Nebraska At Omaha landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public school based in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $8,718, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. Graduates carry a median of $21,595 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,909. That is a strong return on a $21,595 median debt. University Of Nebraska At Omaha has an acceptance rate of 87%. Get the full University Of Nebraska At Omaha report

#20

Missouri State University Springfield

Springfield, MO

Missouri State University Springfield came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Missouri State University Springfield Computer Science students take on a median of $21,719 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri State University Springfield has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Missouri State University Springfield report

#21

Lewis University

Romeoville, IL

Lewis University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in Romeoville, IL, Lewis University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $39,200. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $66,099 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Lewis University report

#22

Louisiana Tech University

Ruston, LA

Louisiana Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. This public school is set in Ruston, LA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,125, while out-of-state students pay about $16,866. Louisiana Tech University Computer Science students take on a median of $22,875 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,279. Set against $22,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Louisiana Tech University

#23

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus

Tacoma, WA

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus placed #23 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Based in Tacoma, WA, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,168, while out-of-state students pay about $43,404. Students borrow a median of $16,151 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $78,466 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full University Of Washington Tacoma Campus report

#23

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL

Loyola University Chicago came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,710. The median Computer Science program debt is $23,521. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,530 ten years after entry. Set against $23,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Loyola University Chicago has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read the full report on Loyola University Chicago

#25

University Of California San Diego

La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. University Of California San Diego Computer Science students take on a median of $16,550 in debt. Median earnings reach $84,943 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,550 median debt. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of California San Diego

#26

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA

Lehigh University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bethlehem, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $64,980. The median Computer Science program debt is $23,854. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $105,584. Set against $23,854 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lehigh University has an acceptance rate of 26%. Read more about Lehigh University

#27

Frostburg State University

Frostburg, MD

Frostburg State University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Frostburg, MD, Frostburg State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,220 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,814. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Computer Science program here. Frostburg State University alumni report median earnings of $55,493 a decade after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Frostburg State University admits about 89% of applicants. Read the full report on Frostburg State University

#28

University Of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND

University Of North Dakota placed #28 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. Students borrow a median of $25,110 to complete their Computer Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. Set against $25,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Dakota report

#29

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. Graduates carry a median of $13,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $111,371 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Pennsylvania

#29

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL

Northern Illinois University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $22,966 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,966 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Northern Illinois University report

#29

Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus

Teaneck, NJ

Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Teaneck, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,010. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus Computer Science students take on a median of $24,770 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,273. Set against $24,770 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus

#32

University Of Washington Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. The median Computer Science program debt is $16,118. Median earnings reach $78,466 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile

#33

Michigan Technological University

Houghton, MI

Michigan Technological University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Set 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. Typical Computer Science student debt is $24,763. Median earnings reach $78,198 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,763 median debt. Michigan Technological University has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read the full report on Michigan Technological University

#34

The University Of Texas Pan American

Edinburg, TX

The University Of Texas Pan American came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Located in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,799, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. The median Computer Science program debt is $14,694. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,620. Set against $14,694 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas Pan American has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read more about The University Of Texas Pan American

#34

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater

Whitewater, WI

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Located in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. Students borrow a median of $25,306 to complete their Computer Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,356. Set against $25,306 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Whitewater

#36

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI

Central Michigan University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,480. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Computer Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,874. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Central Michigan University

#36

Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham

Madison, NJ

Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Madison, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $37,468. Students borrow a median of $24,701 to complete their Computer Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,273 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,701 median debt. Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham has an acceptance rate of 95%. Get the full Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham report

#38

Saint Louis University Main Campus

Saint Louis, MO

Saint Louis University Main Campus came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,760. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Computer Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,783. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Saint Louis University Main Campus profile

#39

Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne, IN

Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne placed #39 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Located in Fort Wayne, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,532 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,887 for out-of-state students. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne Computer Science students take on a median of $24,375 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,872 ten years out. Set against $24,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. More on Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne

#39

California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA

California State University Channel Islands landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Camarillo, CA, California State University Channel Islands is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,159, while out-of-state students pay about $19,759. California State University Channel Islands Computer Science students take on a median of $18,750 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,152. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read more about California State University Channel Islands

#39

Bradley University

Peoria, IL

Bradley University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Peoria, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $42,160. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,852. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Bradley University admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full Bradley University report

#42

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Stanford University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. Students borrow a median of $10,399 to complete their Computer Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $124,080. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Stanford University admits about 4% of applicants. Read more about Stanford University

#43

Texas A And M University College Station

College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station placed #43 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Typical Computer Science student debt is $20,187. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. Set against $20,187 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. More on Texas A And M University College Station

#44

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. The median Computer Science program debt is $19,375. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,424. That is a strong return on a $19,375 median debt. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. More on Purdue University Main Campus

#45

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

Atlanta, GA

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,058, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus Computer Science students take on a median of $24,323 in debt. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $102,772 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 14%. Read the full report on Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

#46

University Of South Florida Main Campus

Tampa, FL

University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #46 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. University Of South Florida Main Campus Computer Science students take on a median of $21,829 in debt. University Of South Florida Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,743 a decade after entry. Set against $21,829 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 43%. Read more about University Of South Florida Main Campus

#46

University Of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR

University Of Arkansas landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,343 to complete their Computer Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,191. Set against $21,343 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas

#48

North Central College

Naperville, IL

North Central College landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Naperville, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,726. Graduates carry a median of $26,678 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,123 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,678 median debt. North Central College admits about 77% of applicants. More on North Central College

#49

University Of Central Oklahoma

Edmond, OK

University Of Central Oklahoma came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Based in Edmond, OK, University Of Central Oklahoma is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,818, while out-of-state students pay about $19,704. Typical Computer Science student debt is $23,321. University Of Central Oklahoma alumni report median earnings of $48,351 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,321 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full University Of Central Oklahoma report

#50

University Of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara placed #50 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Santa Barbara, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,444, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete their Computer Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,915 ten years after entry. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Santa Barbara admits about 33% of applicants. More on University Of California Santa Barbara