2026 Best Value Computer Science Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Computer Science certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 7944 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Computer Science Degree analyzed 224 schools to compile 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 Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found North Hennepin Community College to be the best-value Computer Science school in the United States. This public school is set in Brooklyn Park, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,061. North Hennepin Community College Computer Science students take on a median of $21,241 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,142. Set against $21,241 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on North Hennepin Community College
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You'll get strong value at Chattahoochee Technical College, which ranked #2 this year. Chattahoochee Technical College is a public school based in Marietta, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,540, while out-of-state students pay about $6,108. Students borrow a median of $9,616 to complete their Computer Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,138. Set against $9,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Chattahoochee Technical College
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Central Community College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Computer Science ranking in the United States. Located in Grand Island, NE, Central Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,360, with out-of-state students paying around $4,800. Typical Computer Science student debt is $10,277. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,429 ten years after entry. Set against $10,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Central Community College report
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Metropolitan Community College Area came in at #4 on this year's best-value Computer Science ranking in the United States. Located in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,375, compared with $4,950 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,799 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,773 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Metropolitan Community College Area report
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The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Lake Area Technical Institute earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in Watertown, SD, Lake Area Technical Institute is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,718. Typical Computer Science student debt is $13,674. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,473. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Lake Area Technical Institute
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Fox Valley Technical College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,040, compared with $7,283 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,319 to complete their Computer Science program here. Fox Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,684 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Fox Valley Technical College
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Madison Area Technical College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Located in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,977, compared with $7,141 for out-of-state students. Madison Area Technical College Computer Science students take on a median of $16,812 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,413 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,812 median debt. Get the full Madison Area Technical College report
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Bossier Parish Community College placed #8 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Bossier City, LA, Bossier Parish Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,268. Bossier Parish Community College Computer Science students take on a median of $20,593 in debt. Median earnings reach $34,502 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,593 median debt. See the full Bossier Parish Community College profile
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Seattle Community College North Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle Community College North Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Seattle Community College North Campus report
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Collin County Community College District landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in McKinney, TX, Collin County Community College District is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,014, compared with $6,064 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,716 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,701. That is a strong return on a $9,716 median debt. Get the full Collin County Community College District report
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Gwinnett Technical College placed #11 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Lawrenceville, GA, Gwinnett Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,524, compared with $6,092 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,048 to complete their Computer Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,025 ten years after entry. Set against $18,048 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Gwinnett Technical College report
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Chippewa Valley Technical College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,844, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. The median Computer Science program debt is $14,234. Median earnings reach $46,297 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,234 median debt. See the full Chippewa Valley Technical College profile
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Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This public school is set in Rice Lake, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,926 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,169. The median Computer Science program debt is $11,384. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College alumni report median earnings of $43,406 a decade after entry. Set against $11,384 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
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Wake Technical Community College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Raleigh, NC, Wake Technical Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,254, while out-of-state students pay about $6,862. 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. Read more about Wake Technical Community College
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Augusta Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Augusta, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,282, with out-of-state students paying around $7,492. Typical Computer Science student debt is $11,400. Augusta Technical College alumni report median earnings of $33,523 a decade after entry. Set against $11,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Augusta Technical College report
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Sinclair Community College placed #16 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Based in Dayton, OH, Sinclair Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,675, compared with $8,556 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,525 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,558. That is a strong return on a $12,525 median debt. Get the full Sinclair Community College report
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Northeast Wisconsin Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This public school is set in Green Bay, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,960, compared with $7,203 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $14,997. Median earnings reach $44,553 ten years out. Set against $14,997 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
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El Centro College placed #18 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Located in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,730, while out-of-state students pay about $6,900. Graduates carry a median of $14,557 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,714. Set against $14,557 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on El Centro College
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Waukesha County Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Waukesha County Technical College is a public school based in Pewaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,803, compared with $7,046 for out-of-state students. Waukesha County Technical College Computer Science students take on a median of $16,595 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,894 ten years after entry. Set against $16,595 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Waukesha County Technical College
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Johnson County Community College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Johnson County Community College is a public school based in Overland Park, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,424, with out-of-state students paying around $5,688. Typical Computer Science student debt is $13,532. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,387 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,532 median debt. More on Johnson County Community College
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Normandale Community College landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bloomington, MN, Normandale Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,329. Students borrow a median of $20,162 to complete their Computer Science program here. Normandale Community College alumni report median earnings of $50,207 a decade after entry. Set against $20,162 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Normandale Community College
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Northeast Community College placed #22 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Northeast Community College is a public school based in Norfolk, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,840, with out-of-state students paying around $5,130. Northeast Community College Computer Science students take on a median of $11,937 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,634 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,937 median debt. See the full Northeast Community College profile
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University Of Phoenix Arizona offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based in Phoenix, AZ, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,552. The median Computer Science program debt is $35,323. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,752. That is a strong return on a $35,323 median debt. Read the full report on University Of Phoenix Arizona
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Clover Park Technical College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Based in Lakewood, WA, Clover Park Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,634. Typical Computer Science student debt is $15,154. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,787 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Clover Park Technical College profile
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Middlesex Community College Bedford placed #25 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Bedford, MA. Students from in state pay about $6,098 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,170. The median Computer Science program debt is $11,602. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,651. Set against $11,602 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Middlesex Community College Bedford
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These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Bunker Hill Community College placed #26 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $6,168, with out-of-state students paying around $11,112. Typical Computer Science student debt is $11,893. Bunker Hill Community College alumni report median earnings of $47,618 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,893 median debt. See the full Bunker Hill Community College profile
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Dakota County Technical College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Based in Rosemount, MN, Dakota County Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,679. Graduates carry a median of $13,474 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,938. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Dakota County Technical College
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Georgia Piedmont Technical College landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Georgia Piedmont Technical College is a public school based in Clarkston, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,404, while out-of-state students pay about $5,954. The median Computer Science program debt is $15,716. Median earnings reach $34,619 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Georgia Piedmont Technical College report
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Spokane Community College placed #29 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Spokane, WA. Students from in state pay about $5,461 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,612. The median Computer Science program debt is $16,486. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,984 ten years after entry. Set against $16,486 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Spokane Community College
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American Public University System placed #30 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Based in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. The median Computer Science program debt is $23,438. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,409. Set against $23,438 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full American Public University System report
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Washtenaw Community College landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Ann Arbor, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $2,736, with out-of-state students paying around $6,504. Typical Computer Science student debt is $17,616. Washtenaw Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,449 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Washtenaw Community College
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Athens Technical College placed #32 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Based in Athens, GA, Athens Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,390, while out-of-state students pay about $5,958. Athens Technical College Computer Science students take on a median of $9,500 in debt. Athens Technical College alumni report median earnings of $35,951 a decade after entry. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Athens Technical College report
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Southeast Technical Institute came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Sioux Falls, SD, Southeast Technical Institute is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,650. Typical Computer Science student debt is $18,442. Southeast Technical Institute alumni report median earnings of $46,709 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Southeast Technical Institute
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Central Piedmont Community College landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Central Piedmont Community College is a public school based in Charlotte, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,792, compared with $8,936 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $11,861. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,865. Set against $11,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Central Piedmont Community College profile
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Mid State Technical College placed #35 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Mid State Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,002, while out-of-state students pay about $7,171. Typical Computer Science student debt is $11,626. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,253. That is a strong return on a $11,626 median debt. Read the full report on Mid State Technical College
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Bellevue College placed #36 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Bellevue College is a public school based in Bellevue, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,436, with out-of-state students paying around $10,502. The median Computer Science program debt is $18,839. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,310. That is a strong return on a $18,839 median debt. Get the full Bellevue College report
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Pulaski Technical College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based in North Little Rock, AR, Pulaski Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,300, while out-of-state students pay about $9,450. Pulaski Technical College Computer Science students take on a median of $15,043 in debt. Pulaski Technical College alumni report median earnings of $34,722 a decade after entry. Set against $15,043 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Pulaski Technical College
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Ivy Tech Community College placed #38 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,154, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,889 in student loans. Median earnings reach $37,186 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,889 median debt. See the full Ivy Tech Community College profile
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Cuyahoga Community College District landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Cuyahoga Community College District is a public school based in Cleveland, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,249, compared with $7,249 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $14,636. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,654. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Cuyahoga Community College District
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Baltimore City Community College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Baltimore, MD, Baltimore City Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,314, compared with $7,394 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,202 in student loans. Median earnings reach $36,025 ten years out. Set against $11,202 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Baltimore City Community College
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Gateway Technical College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Set in Kenosha, WI, Gateway Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,956, compared with $7,199 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,829 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $40,264 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Gateway Technical College
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Lone Star College System placed #42 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Located in The Woodlands, TX, Lone Star College System is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,664 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,512. Typical Computer Science student debt is $10,425. Median earnings reach $42,466 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Lone Star College System profile
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Western Technical College La Cross ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Based 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. Median earnings reach $45,303 ten years out. Set against $13,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Western Technical College La Cross report
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Colorado State University Global Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Denver, CO, Colorado State University Global Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,000. The median Computer Science program debt is $31,361. Colorado State University Global Campus alumni report median earnings of $76,813 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,361 median debt. Colorado State University Global Campus admits about 98% of applicants. See the full Colorado State University Global Campus profile
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Des Moines Area Community College placed #45 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Ankeny, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,790, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. Students borrow a median of $14,956 to complete their Computer Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,018 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,956 median debt. Get the full Des Moines Area Community College report
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Amarillo College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Amarillo, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,136, while out-of-state students pay about $4,704. Graduates carry a median of $15,720 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,302. Set against $15,720 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Amarillo College report
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Tarrant County College District placed #47 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Tarrant County College District is a public school based in Fort Worth, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,863, with out-of-state students paying around $8,370. Typical Computer Science student debt is $15,148. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,727 ten years after entry. Set against $15,148 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Tarrant County College District profile
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Hennepin Technical College landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Brooklyn Park, MN, Hennepin Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,940. Graduates carry a median of $17,887 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,460. That is a strong return on a $17,887 median debt. More on Hennepin Technical College
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Minneapolis Community And Technical College placed #49 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Minneapolis Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,161. Minneapolis Community And Technical College Computer Science students take on a median of $24,036 in debt. Median earnings reach $40,086 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Minneapolis Community And Technical College report
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Ogeechee Technical College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Statesboro, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,388, compared with $5,956 for out-of-state students. Ogeechee Technical College Computer Science students take on a median of $11,894 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,248. That is a strong return on a $11,894 median debt. See the full Ogeechee Technical College profile
Request InformationRelated Computer Science Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Computer Science Schools (All Levels)
- 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
The ranking above is published by Computer Science Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: Nation · 224 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).
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