2026 Best Value Computer Science Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Computer Science associate’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 7944 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 help you make your decision, Computer Science Degree evaluated 302 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 Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Southeast Community College Area tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Computer Science associate's degree schools in the United States. Set in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,444, with out-of-state students paying around $4,032. Graduates carry a median of $14,935 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,405. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Southeast Community College Area
Request InformationOut of the 302 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Metropolitan Community College Area landed the #2 spot. Metropolitan Community College Area is a public school based in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $3,375, with out-of-state students paying around $4,950. Typical Computer Science student debt is $12,799. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,773. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Metropolitan Community College Area
Request InformationIndian Hills Community College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Computer Science ranking in the United States. Set in Ottumwa, IA, Indian Hills Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $6,120. The median Computer Science program debt is $15,390. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,507. Set against $15,390 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Indian Hills Community College
Request InformationYou'll get strong value at Alexandria Technical And Community College, which ranked #4 this year. Alexandria Technical And Community College is a public school based in Alexandria, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,236. Graduates carry a median of $14,054 in student loans. Alexandria Technical And Community College alumni report median earnings of $49,393 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,054 median debt. Get the full Alexandria Technical And Community College report
Request InformationYou'll get strong value at Central Community College, which ranked #5 this year. Central Community College is a public school based in Grand Island, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,360, compared with $4,800 for out-of-state students. Central Community College Computer Science students take on a median of $10,277 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,429. Set against $10,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Central Community College
Request InformationCollin County Community College District offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Based in McKinney, TX, Collin County Community College District is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,014, while out-of-state students pay about $6,064. The median Computer Science program debt is $9,716. Median earnings reach $48,701 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,716 median debt. See the full Collin County Community College District profile
Request InformationFox Valley Technical College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $7,283. The median Computer Science program debt is $13,319. Fox Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,684 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,319 median debt. Read more about Fox Valley Technical College
Request InformationMadison Area Technical College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,977 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,141 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,812 to complete their Computer Science program here. Madison Area Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,413 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Madison Area Technical College report
Request InformationNorth Hennepin Community College placed #9 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Brooklyn Park, MN, North Hennepin Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,061 in tuition and fees. Typical Computer Science student debt is $21,241. North Hennepin Community College alumni report median earnings of $51,142 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,241 median debt. See the full North Hennepin Community College profile
Request InformationAmerican Public University System came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. Students borrow a median of $23,438 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,438 median debt. More on American Public University System
Request InformationNorthwest Arkansas Community College placed #11 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Northwest Arkansas Community College is a public school based in Bentonville, AR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,342, while out-of-state students pay about $5,238. Northwest Arkansas Community College Computer Science students take on a median of $12,479 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,505 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,479 median debt. Read the full report on Northwest Arkansas Community College
Request InformationLake Area Technical Institute placed #12 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Watertown, SD, Lake Area Technical Institute is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,718 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $13,674 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,473 ten years after entry. Set against $13,674 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Lake Area Technical Institute
Request InformationChippewa Valley Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public school based in Eau Claire, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,844, compared with $7,087 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $14,234. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,297. Set against $14,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Chippewa Valley Technical College
Request InformationSt Cloud Technical And Community College landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,124. St Cloud Technical And Community College Computer Science students take on a median of $16,734 in debt. St Cloud Technical And Community College alumni report median earnings of $46,874 a decade after entry. Set against $16,734 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about St Cloud Technical And Community College
Request InformationSeattle Community College North Campus ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,238, compared with $5,796 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $16,643. Seattle Community College North Campus alumni report median earnings of $47,728 a decade after entry. Set against $16,643 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Seattle Community College North Campus
Request InformationNormandale Community College placed #16 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Bloomington, MN, Normandale Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,329 in tuition and fees. Typical Computer Science student debt is $20,162. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,207. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Normandale Community College
Request InformationBrigham Young University Idaho placed #17 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Based in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800. Typical Computer Science student debt is $13,287. Brigham Young University Idaho alumni report median earnings of $53,406 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Brigham Young University Idaho report
Request InformationGrantham University placed #18 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Located in LIttle Rock, AR, Grantham University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,520 in tuition and fees. The median Computer Science program debt is $30,600. 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. Read more about Grantham University
Request InformationWisconsin Indianhead Technical College landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is a public school based in Rice Lake, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,926, with out-of-state students paying around $7,169. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Computer Science students take on a median of $11,384 in debt. Median earnings reach $43,406 ten years out. Set against $11,384 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College profile
Request InformationChattahoochee Technical College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Marietta, GA, Chattahoochee Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,540, compared with $6,108 for out-of-state students. Chattahoochee Technical College Computer Science students take on a median of $9,616 in debt. 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. Read the full report on Chattahoochee Technical College
Request InformationBossier Parish Community College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Bossier City, LA, Bossier Parish Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,268. Bossier Parish Community College Computer Science students take on a median of $20,593 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,502 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Bossier Parish Community College report
Request InformationGwinnett Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Gwinnett Technical College is a public school based in Lawrenceville, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,524, while out-of-state students pay about $6,092. Graduates carry a median of $18,048 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Gwinnett Technical College profile
Request InformationWaukesha County Technical College placed #23 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Located in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,803 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,046. The median Computer Science program debt is $16,595. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,894 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,595 median debt. Get the full Waukesha County Technical College report
Request InformationEl Centro College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Dallas, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,730, with out-of-state students paying around $6,900. El Centro College Computer Science students take on a median of $14,557 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,714 ten years after entry. Set against $14,557 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on El Centro College
Request InformationJohnson County Community College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Located in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,424, compared with $5,688 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $13,532. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,387 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Johnson County Community College
Request InformationRest of the Top 50 Best-Value Computer Science Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Augusta Technical College ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Augusta, GA, Augusta Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,282, while out-of-state students pay about $7,492. Students borrow a median of $11,400 to complete their Computer Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,523 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,400 median debt. Read more about Augusta Technical College
Request InformationAnoka Ramsey Community College placed #27 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Coon Rapids, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,682. Anoka Ramsey Community College Computer Science students take on a median of $22,593 in debt. 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 InformationSinclair Community College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Sinclair Community College is a public school based in Dayton, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,675, with out-of-state students paying around $8,556. Sinclair Community College Computer Science students take on a median of $12,525 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,558. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Sinclair Community College
Request InformationMid State Technical College landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Mid State Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,002, with out-of-state students paying around $7,171. Students borrow a median of $11,626 to complete their Computer Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,253 ten years after entry. Set against $11,626 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Mid State Technical College report
Request InformationHennepin Technical College landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Hennepin Technical College is a public school based in Brooklyn Park, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,940. Hennepin Technical College Computer Science students take on a median of $17,887 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,460. That is a strong return on a $17,887 median debt. Read the full report on Hennepin Technical College
Request InformationBunker Hill Community College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Bunker Hill Community College is a public school based in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $6,168, compared with $11,112 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,893 in student loans. Bunker Hill Community College alumni report median earnings of $47,618 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Bunker Hill Community College profile
Request InformationMoraine Park Technical College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. This public school is set in Fond du Lac, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,819, compared with $7,084 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,471 to complete their Computer Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,371. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Moraine Park Technical College
Request InformationNortheast Community College placed #33 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,840 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,130. Typical Computer Science student debt is $11,937. Median earnings reach $42,634 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Northeast Community College report
Request InformationDakota County Technical College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. This public school is set in Rosemount, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,679. Graduates carry a median of $13,474 in student loans. Dakota County Technical College alumni report median earnings of $51,938 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Dakota County Technical College
Request InformationMiddlesex Community College Bedford landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Bedford, MA. Students from in state pay about $6,098 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,170 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,602 to complete their Computer Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,651. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Middlesex Community College Bedford
Request InformationWest Georgia Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Waco, GA, West Georgia Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,410, compared with $5,978 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,651 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,479. Set against $12,651 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on West Georgia Technical College
Request InformationOakland Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in Auburn Hills, MI. Students from in state pay about $3,120 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,560. Typical Computer Science student debt is $15,865. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,395. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Oakland Community College
Request InformationSoutheast Technical Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Located in Sioux Falls, SD, Southeast Technical Institute is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,650. Typical Computer Science student debt is $18,442. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,709. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Southeast Technical Institute
Request InformationNortheast Wisconsin Technical College placed #39 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Green Bay, WI, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,960, while out-of-state students pay about $7,203. Graduates carry a median of $14,997 in student loans. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College alumni report median earnings of $44,553 a decade after entry. Set against $14,997 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Request InformationBellevue College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Bellevue, WA, Bellevue College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,436 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,502. Graduates carry a median of $18,839 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,310. That is a strong return on a $18,839 median debt. More on Bellevue College
Request InformationAthens Technical College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Athens, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,390 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,958 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $9,500. Median earnings reach $35,951 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. Get the full Athens Technical College report
Request InformationThaddeus Stevens College Of Technology ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Located in Lancaster, PA, Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,050. The median Computer Science program debt is $9,915. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,681 ten years after entry. Set against $9,915 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology admits about 71% of applicants. Read more about Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology
Request InformationCincinnati State Technical And Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. This public school is set in Cincinnati, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,517, compared with $10,044 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,730 in student loans. Cincinnati State Technical And Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,137 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Cincinnati State Technical And Community College
Request InformationWake Technical Community College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Located in Raleigh, NC, Wake Technical Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,254, compared with $6,862 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,900 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,769. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Wake Technical Community College
Request InformationUniversity Of Phoenix Arizona came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Set in Phoenix, AZ, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,552. Typical Computer Science student debt is $35,323. Median earnings reach $37,752 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $35,323 median debt. Read more about University Of Phoenix Arizona
Request InformationGateway Technical College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. 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. Gateway Technical College Computer Science students take on a median of $14,829 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,264. That is a strong return on a $14,829 median debt. Read more about Gateway Technical College
Request InformationWestern Technical College La Cross offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Located in La Crosse, WI, Western Technical College La Cross is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,820, compared with $7,078 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,669 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,303. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Western Technical College La Cross
Request InformationWashtenaw Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Washtenaw Community College is a public school based in Ann Arbor, MI. Students from in state pay about $2,736 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,504. Students borrow a median of $17,616 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $39,449 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Washtenaw Community College profile
Request InformationTarrant County College District came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fort Worth, TX, Tarrant County College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,863, with out-of-state students paying around $8,370. The median Computer Science program debt is $15,148. Tarrant County College District alumni report median earnings of $42,727 a decade after entry. Set against $15,148 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Tarrant County College District
Request InformationWenatchee Valley College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Wenatchee Valley College is a public school based in Wenatchee, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,552, compared with $5,054 for out-of-state students. Wenatchee Valley College Computer Science students take on a median of $11,462 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,127. Set against $11,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Wenatchee Valley College
Request InformationRelated Computer Science Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Computer Science Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Computer Science Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Science Undergraduate Certificate 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
This list is compiled 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 Best Colleges For Money · Scope: Nation · 302 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 7944 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).
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |