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Best Value Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region

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2023 Best Value Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region

Highlighting Quality Schools With More Affordable Prices

43 Schools Ranked
$7,542 Avg Tuition & Fees*

It's not easy to decide which computer science program to enroll in when you have so many options available. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent. Or you may find the programs at a trade school or bootcamp to be a better alternative for you.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Computer Science Degree Search has developed this Best Value Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Our analysis looked at 43 schools in the Great Lakes Region to see which basic certificate programs offered the best value experiences for computer science students with the aim of identifying those quality schools that are more affordable than some of their counterparts.

Our ranking of value is based on the quality of a program as defined in our per sticker price dollar. Specifically, our score for quality is discounted by the published tuition and fees charged by the given college. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The more quality your dollar buys, the better the value.

In our regional and nationwide rankings, out-of-state tution and fees are used in our calculations. For statewide rankings, we use average in-state tuition and fees.

Top Value Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region of the U.S.

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Fox Valley Technical College

Appleton, Wisconsin
42 Total Awards
$6,861 Average Tuition & Fees

Our 2023 rankings named Fox Valley Technical College the best value school in the Great Lakes Region for computer science students working on their basic certificate. This fairly large public school is located in Appleton, Wisconsin, and it awarded 42 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

FVTC undergraduate students pay an average of $6,861 in tuition and fees each year.

Online courses are available at FVTC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 42% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

FVTC did well in our overall quality rankings, too. It placed #1 on our Best Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

Full Fox Valley Technical College Report

#2

Madison Area Technical College

Madison, Wisconsin
88 Total Awards
$6,769 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 43 schools in the Great Lakes Region that were part of this year’s value ranking, Madison Area Technical College landed the # 2 spot on the list. Madison College is a public institution located in Madison, Wisconsin. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 88 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Madison College undergraduate students pay an average of $6,769 in tuition and fees each year.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Madison College. In 2019-2020 about 77% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Madison College did well in our overall quality rankings, too. It placed #2 on our Best Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

Read full report on Madison Area Technical College

#3

Chippewa Valley Technical College

Eau Claire, Wisconsin
61 Total Awards
$6,683 Average Tuition & Fees

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Chippewa Valley Technical College is a great place for computer science students working on their basic certificate who want the most bang for their educational buck. Located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the medium-sized public school handed out 61 basic certificate awards in 2020-2021.

CVTC undergraduate students pay an average of $6,683 in tuition and fees each year.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since CVTC does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 60% took at least some of their classes online.

CVTC also claimed a spot on our Best Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. It’s in the top 15% of all schools in this category.

Full Chippewa Valley Technical College Report

#4

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College

Shell Lake, Wisconsin
43 Total Awards
$6,960 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 43 schools in the Great Lakes Region that were part of this year’s value ranking, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College landed the # 4 spot on the list. This small public school is located in Shell Lake, Wisconsin, and it awarded 43 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at WITC are $6,960 per year.

WITC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 88% took at least some of their classes online.

WITC not only placed well in our value ranking, but it is also #5 on our Best Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

Read More…

271 Total Awards
$8,076 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Sinclair Community College. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Best Value Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Sinclair Community College is a fairly large public school located in Dayton, Ohio that handed out 271 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Sinclair Community College are $8,076 a year.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Sinclair Community College. In 2019-2020 about 80% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

In addition to its best value ranking, and one of the reasons why the school is on the list, Sinclair Community College is ranked #4 for overall quality in the Great Lakes Region .

Read More…

51 Total Awards
$6,849 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #6, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College did quite well on this year’s best value schools for computer science students working on their basic certificate. NWTC is located in Green Bay, Wisconsin and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 51 basic certificates to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at NWTC are $6,849 a year.

NWTC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 51% took at least some of their classes online.

NWTC excels when it comes to quality. It’s ranked in the top 20% of all schools on our Best Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

Full Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Report

#7

Waukesha County Technical College

Pewaukee, Wisconsin
3 Total Awards
$6,603 Average Tuition & Fees

Waukesha County Technical College ranked #7 on this year’s Best Value Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Waukesha County Technical College is a medium-sized public school located in Pewaukee, Wisconsin that handed out 3 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

WCTC undergraduate students pay an average of $6,603 in tuition and fees each year.

Some students may be able to take online classes at WCTC. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 17% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Waukesha County Technical College

#8

Washtenaw Community College

Ann Arbor, Michigan
80 Total Awards
$5,856 Average Tuition & Fees

Washtenaw Community College ranked #8 on this year’s Best Value Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. This fairly large public school is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and it awarded 80 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Washtenaw Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $5,856 in tuition and fees each year.

Washtenaw Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 96% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Washtenaw Community College

#9

Mid-State Technical College

Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
1 Total Awards
$6,351 Average Tuition & Fees

Mid-State Technical College landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value basic certificate computer science programs. Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 1 students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Mid-State are $6,351 a year.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Mid-State does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 52% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Mid-State Technical College

#10

Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, Indiana
712 Total Awards
$8,927 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #10, Ivy Tech Community College did quite well on this year’s best value schools for computer science students working on their basic certificate. This large public school is located in Indianapolis, Indiana, and it awarded 712 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Ivy Tech Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $8,927 in tuition and fees each year.

Ivy Tech Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 81% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Ivy Tech Community College

20 Total Awards
$8,586 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #11, Cuyahoga Community College District did quite well on this year’s best value schools for computer science students working on their basic certificate. Cleveland, Ohio is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 20 students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Cuyahoga Community College District are $8,586 per year.

Online courses are available at Cuyahoga Community College District, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2019-2020 year, about 80% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Cuyahoga Community College District Report

#12

Gateway Technical College

Kenosha, Wisconsin
16 Total Awards
$6,803 Average Tuition & Fees

Gateway Technical College ranked #12 on this year’s Best Value Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Kenosha, Wisconsin is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 16 students in 2020-2021.

Gateway Technical College undergraduate students pay an average of $6,803 in tuition and fees each year.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Gateway Technical College does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 48% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Gateway Technical College Report

#13

Western Technical College

La Crosse, Wisconsin
5 Total Awards
$6,687 Average Tuition & Fees

Western Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for computer science students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #13 on the list. Western Technical College is a small public school located in La Crosse, Wisconsin that handed out 5 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Western Technical College undergraduate students pay an average of $6,687 in tuition and fees each year.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Western Technical College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 88% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#14

Oakland Community College

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
1 Total Awards
$5,200 Average Tuition & Fees

Oakland Community College landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value basic certificate computer science programs. Oakland Community College is a public institution located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 1 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Oakland Community College are $5,200 per year.

Oakland Community College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 27% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#15

Lakeshore Technical College

Cleveland, Wisconsin
9 Total Awards
$6,056 Average Tuition & Fees

Lakeshore Technical College landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value basic certificate computer science programs. LTC is a public institution located in Cleveland, Wisconsin. The school has a small population, and it awarded 9 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at LTC are $6,056 a year.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since LTC does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 82% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#16

Southwestern Illinois College

Belleville, Illinois
32 Total Awards
$5,940 Average Tuition & Fees

Southwestern Illinois College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for computer science students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #16 on the list. Southwestern Illinois College is a medium-sized public school located in Belleville, Illinois that handed out 32 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at SWIC are $5,940 per year.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at SWIC. During the 2019-2020 year, about 53% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#17

Stark State College

North Canton, Ohio
59 Total Awards
$7,406 Average Tuition & Fees

Stark State College came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Stark State College is a fairly large public school located in North Canton, Ohio that handed out 59 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Stark State College are $7,406 a year.

Online courses are available at Stark State College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 71% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#18

Milwaukee Area Technical College

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
7 Total Awards
$6,908 Average Tuition & Fees

Milwaukee Area Technical College landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value basic certificate computer science programs. MATC is a public institution located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 7 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

MATC undergraduate students pay an average of $6,908 in tuition and fees each year.

Some students may be able to take online classes at MATC. In 2019-2020 about 84% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#19

Lansing Community College

Lansing, Michigan
26 Total Awards
$10,760 Average Tuition & Fees

Lansing Community College came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. LCC is located in Lansing, Michigan and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 26 basic certificates to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at LCC are $10,760 per year.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since LCC does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 93% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Lansing Community College

#20

Henry Ford College

Dearborn, Michigan
24 Total Awards
$7,192 Average Tuition & Fees

Henry Ford College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for computer science students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #20 on the list. Located in Dearborn, Michigan, the fairly large public school handed out 24 basic certificate awards in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Henry Ford College are $7,192 a year.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Henry Ford College does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 93% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Henry Ford College

2 Total Awards
$3,998 Average Tuition & Fees

Wayne County Community College District landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value basic certificate computer science programs. This fairly large public school is located in Detroit, Michigan, and it awarded 2 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at WCCCD are $3,998 per year.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since WCCCD does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 32% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Wayne County Community College District Report

1 Total Awards
$11,880 Average Tuition & Fees

University of Akron Main Campus ranked #22 on this year’s Best Value Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. University of Akron Main Campus is a public institution located in Akron, Ohio. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 1 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

University of Akron Main Campus undergraduate students pay an average of $11,880 in tuition and fees each year.

Online courses are available at University of Akron Main Campus, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 94% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#23

University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Eau Claire, Wisconsin
6 Total Awards
$17,149 Average Tuition & Fees

University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire ranked #23 on this year’s Best Value Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. UW - Eau Claire is a public institution located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 6 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at UW - Eau Claire are $17,149 a year.

Some students may be able to take online classes at UW - Eau Claire. During the 2019-2020 year, about 81% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

#24

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, Michigan
8 Total Awards
$13,188 Average Tuition & Fees

Ferris State University ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Ferris is a fairly large public school situated in Big Rapids, Michigan. It awarded 8 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Ferris are $13,188 a year.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Ferris. During the 2019-2020 year, about 83% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Ferris State University

4 Total Awards
$7,656 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #25, Central Ohio Technical College did quite well on this year’s best value schools for computer science students working on their basic certificate. COTC is located in Newark, Ohio and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 4 basic certificates to qualified students.

COTC undergraduate students pay an average of $7,656 in tuition and fees each year.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at COTC. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 43% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Central Ohio Technical College Report

View Best Value Basic Certificate Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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