2026 Best Value Computer Science Doctoral 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. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $12,184 to complete their Computer Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. More on Brigham Young University Provo

#2

University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR

University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez came in at #2 on this year's best-value Computer Science ranking in the United States. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public school based in Mayaguez, PR. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,274. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez Computer Science students take on a median of $8,630 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,992. Set against $8,630 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez has an acceptance rate of 56%. See the full University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez profile

#3

Dakota State University

Madison, SD

Out of the 173 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Dakota State University landed the #3 spot. Dakota State University is a public school based in Madison, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,654, compared with $12,756 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $28,724 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,970. That is a strong return on a $28,724 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Dakota State University

#4

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

You'll get strong value at The University Of Texas At Austin, which ranked #4 this year. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The median Computer Science program debt is $21,275. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin

#5

Walden University

Minneapolis, MN

Walden University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Computer Science ranking in the United States. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,067. Students borrow a median of $49,361 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $42,810 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Walden University

#6

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. The median Computer Science program debt is $24,861. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,950 ten years after entry. Set against $24,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Delaware

#7

Capella University

Minneapolis, MN

Capella University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Capella University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees. Capella University Computer Science students take on a median of $35,998 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,189. That is a strong return on a $35,998 median debt. Read the full report on Capella University

#8

North Dakota State University Main Campus

Fargo, ND

North Dakota State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $25,153 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report

#9

University Of Nebraska Lincoln

Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #9 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $22,386. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln

#10

Bowie State University

Bowie, MD

Bowie State University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set in Bowie, MD, Bowie State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,218, with out-of-state students paying around $19,938. Bowie State University Computer Science students take on a median of $28,474 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,537. Set against $28,474 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Bowie State University report

#11

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. The median Computer Science program debt is $15,005. Median earnings reach $104,043 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,005 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. More on Cornell University

#12

Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Colorado Springs, CO, Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,750. Students borrow a median of $39,095 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $37,180 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $39,095 median debt. Get the full Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs report

#13

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley placed #13 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. University Of California Berkeley Computer Science students take on a median of $14,238 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants. More on University Of California Berkeley

#14

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. The median Computer Science program debt is $24,271. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. Set against $24,271 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. Read the full report on Texas Tech University

#14

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

Atlanta, GA

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus placed #14 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public school based in Atlanta, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,058, compared with $34,484 for out-of-state students. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus Computer Science students take on a median of $24,323 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $102,772. That is a strong return on a $24,323 median debt. The acceptance rate is 14%. Get the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus report

#16

University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Omaha, NE

University Of Nebraska At Omaha placed #16 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,718, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. Graduates carry a median of $21,783 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,909 ten years after entry. Set against $21,783 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska At Omaha has an acceptance rate of 87%. More on University Of Nebraska At Omaha

#17

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $21,813 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report

#18

Louisiana Tech University

Ruston, LA

Louisiana Tech University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Ruston, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $10,125, while out-of-state students pay about $16,866. Typical Computer Science student debt is $23,846. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,279 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Louisiana Tech University admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Louisiana Tech University

#19

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

Blacksburg, VA

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #19 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University Computer Science students take on a median of $23,393 in debt. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. Set against $23,393 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report

#20

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #20 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Computer Science students take on a median of $20,778 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,778 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

#21

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Students borrow a median of $18,627 to complete their Computer Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,863 ten years after entry. Set against $18,627 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 17% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus

#22

Depaul University

Chicago, IL

Depaul University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,405. Students borrow a median of $25,310 to complete their Computer Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,751. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read the full report on Depaul University

#23

Clemson University

Clemson, SC

Clemson University placed #23 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $23,783. Clemson University alumni report median earnings of $71,513 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,783 median debt. The acceptance rate is 38%. Get the full Clemson University report

#24

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

University Of Houston placed #24 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Graduates carry a median of $21,255 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. Get the full University Of Houston report

#24

University Of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS

University Of Southern Mississippi came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. University Of Southern Mississippi is a public school based in Hattiesburg, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,998, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,415 to complete their Computer Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,140. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Southern Mississippi profile

#26

Marquette University

Milwaukee, WI

Marquette University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,170. Typical Computer Science student debt is $24,122. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,257 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,122 median debt. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Marquette University

#27

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania placed #27 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. The median Computer Science program debt is $16,155. Graduates go on to earn a median of $111,371 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile

#28

Northeastern University

Boston, MA

Northeastern University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $66,162. Typical Computer Science student debt is $25,611. Northeastern University alumni report median earnings of $92,538 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,611 median debt. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. More on Northeastern University

#29

University Of Washington Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Computer Science students take on a median of $16,481 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report

#30

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA

Lehigh University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Located in Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,980. Lehigh University Computer Science students take on a median of $23,008 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $105,584 ten years after entry. Set against $23,008 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 26% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Lehigh University profile

#30

Texas A And M University College Station

College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,031 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station

#32

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS

Kansas State University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $23,546. Kansas State University alumni report median earnings of $57,262 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,546 median debt. Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about Kansas State University

#32

The University Of Texas At El Paso

El Paso, TX

The University Of Texas At El Paso ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,544, compared with $25,502 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At El Paso Computer Science students take on a median of $19,819 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,923 ten years after entry. Set against $19,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At El Paso admits about 100% of applicants. Read more about The University Of Texas At El Paso

#32

Rice University

Houston, TX

Rice University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Rice University is a private not-for-profit school based in Houston, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,247. The median Computer Science program debt is $11,904. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $89,718. That is a strong return on a $11,904 median debt. About 8% of those who apply are admitted. More on Rice University

#35

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL

Florida Atlantic University placed #35 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Located in Boca Raton, FL, Florida Atlantic University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,879, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Typical Computer Science student debt is $20,212. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,746. That is a strong return on a $20,212 median debt. The acceptance rate is 66%. Read the full report on Florida Atlantic University

#35

University Of Arkansas At Little Rock

Little Rock, AR

University Of Arkansas At Little Rock placed #35 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Based in Little Rock, AR, University Of Arkansas At Little Rock is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,911, with out-of-state students paying around $22,721. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock Computer Science students take on a median of $27,093 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,265. Set against $27,093 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock has an acceptance rate of 59%. Get the full University Of Arkansas At Little Rock report

#37

University Of Florida

Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Students borrow a median of $17,669 to complete their Computer Science program here. University Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,669 median debt. University Of Florida has an acceptance rate of 24%. Read more about University Of Florida

#38

Michigan Technological University

Houghton, MI

Michigan Technological University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Michigan Technological University is a public school based in Houghton, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,532, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. Typical Computer Science student debt is $25,800. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,198 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read more about Michigan Technological University

#39

University Of California San Diego

La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego placed #39 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Located in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Graduates carry a median of $17,101 in student loans. University Of California San Diego alumni report median earnings of $84,943 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California San Diego

#40

Yale University

New Haven, CT

Yale University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,250. Yale University Computer Science students take on a median of $14,357 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $100,533. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Yale University

#41

University Of North Texas

Denton, TX

University Of North Texas landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Students borrow a median of $21,817 to complete their Computer Science program here. University Of North Texas alumni report median earnings of $57,010 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Texas has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full University Of North Texas report

#42

Towson University

Towson, MD

Towson University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Located in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,728 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,820 for out-of-state students. Towson University Computer Science students take on a median of $21,241 in debt. Towson University alumni report median earnings of $64,390 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Towson University admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on Towson University

#43

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Typical Computer Science student debt is $19,844. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,844 median debt. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. More on Purdue University Main Campus

#44

California Institute Of Technology

Pasadena, CA

California Institute Of Technology ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Based in Pasadena, CA, California Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,898 in tuition and fees. Graduates go on to earn a median of $128,566 ten years after entry. About 3% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about California Institute Of Technology

#44

University Of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. This public school is set in Santa Barbara, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Graduates carry a median of $15,501 in student loans. Median earnings reach $74,915 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,501 median debt. University Of California Santa Barbara has an acceptance rate of 33%. Get the full University Of California Santa Barbara report

#46

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Stanford University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,910. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete their Computer Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $124,080. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. Stanford University admits about 4% of applicants. More on Stanford University

#47

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA

Carnegie Mellon University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit school based in Pittsburgh, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,636. Typical Computer Science student debt is $23,529. Graduates go on to earn a median of $114,862 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 12% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Carnegie Mellon University profile

#48

Marymount University

Arlington, VA

Marymount University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Located in Arlington, VA, Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,120. Students borrow a median of $26,880 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $67,516 ten years out. Set against $26,880 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Marymount University has an acceptance rate of 93%. See the full Marymount University profile

#49

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA

Temple University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Typical Computer Science student debt is $26,259. Temple University alumni report median earnings of $63,727 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,259 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read the full report on Temple University

#50

University Of Colorado Denver

Denver, CO

University Of Colorado Denver landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Denver, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,383, compared with $29,391 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,582 in student loans. Median earnings reach $64,270 ten years out. Set against $26,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Colorado Denver report