2026 Best Value Computer Science Graduate Certificate Degree Schools

#1

Simpson College

Indianola, IA

Simpson College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Indianola, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,656. Graduates carry a median of $26,816 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,274. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Simpson College profile

#2

American Public University System

Charles Town, WV

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at American Public University System earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. Typical Computer Science student debt is $23,438. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. That is a strong return on a $23,438 median debt. See the full American Public University System profile

#3

Park University

Parkville, MO

Out of the 150 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Park University landed the #3 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Parkville, MO. Students from in state pay about $12,116 in tuition and fees. Park University Computer Science students take on a median of $22,112 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,309 ten years out. Set against $22,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Park University

#4

Colorado State University Global Campus

Denver, CO

A rank of #4 makes Colorado State University Global Campus one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Denver, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,000. Students borrow a median of $31,361 to complete their Computer Science program here. Colorado State University Global Campus alumni report median earnings of $76,813 a decade after entry. Set against $31,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. More on Colorado State University Global Campus

#5

Minnesota State University Mankato

Mankato, MN

Out of the 150 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #5 spot. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Minnesota State University Mankato Computer Science students take on a median of $25,260 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,260 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Minnesota State University Mankato

#6

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI

Ferris State University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,778. Graduates carry a median of $23,562 in student loans. Ferris State University alumni report median earnings of $54,735 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,562 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Ferris State University report

#7

Saint Marys University Of Minnesota

Winona, MN

Saint Marys University Of Minnesota came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Winona, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,080. Students borrow a median of $27,081 to complete their Computer Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,170. That is a strong return on a $27,081 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. More on Saint Marys University Of Minnesota

#8

Dakota State University

Madison, SD

Dakota State University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Madison, SD, Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,654, with out-of-state students paying around $12,756. Typical Computer Science student debt is $28,724. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,970. Set against $28,724 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Dakota State University

#9

University Of Maryland University College

Adelphi, MD

University Of Maryland University College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Adelphi, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $8,136, with out-of-state students paying around $12,336. Students borrow a median of $23,276 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $65,287 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on University Of Maryland University College

#10

Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, MN

Metropolitan State University placed #10 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,840. Typical Computer Science student debt is $30,822. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,705. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Metropolitan State University profile

#11

University Of Phoenix Arizona

Phoenix, AZ

University Of Phoenix Arizona ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Based in Phoenix, AZ, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,552. University Of Phoenix Arizona Computer Science students take on a median of $35,323 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,752 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $35,323 median debt. More on University Of Phoenix Arizona

#11

Seattle University

Seattle, WA

Seattle University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Located in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $56,721. Graduates carry a median of $22,289 in student loans. Seattle University alumni report median earnings of $75,272 a decade after entry. Set against $22,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about Seattle University

#13

Illinois State University

Normal, IL

Illinois State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $21,896. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. Set against $21,896 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Illinois State University report

#14

Marist College

Poughkeepsie, NY

Marist College placed #14 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Poughkeepsie, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $47,620. Marist College Computer Science students take on a median of $25,962 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $77,819. That is a strong return on a $25,962 median debt. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Marist College report

#15

North Dakota State University Main Campus

Fargo, ND

North Dakota State University Main Campus placed #15 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,153 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. Set against $25,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus

#16

Lewis University

Romeoville, IL

Lewis University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Located in Romeoville, IL, Lewis University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,200. Typical Computer Science student debt is $24,838. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,099. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lewis University admits about 71% of applicants. More on Lewis University

#17

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, TX

Sam Houston State University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Sam Houston State University is a public school based in Huntsville, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. Graduates carry a median of $24,850 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,211 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Sam Houston State University

#18

Norwich University

Northfield, VT

Norwich University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Northfield, VT, Norwich University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,740. The median Computer Science program debt is $24,103. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,575 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,103 median debt. Norwich University has an acceptance rate of 74%. Get the full Norwich University report

#19

Walden University

Minneapolis, MN

Walden University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,067. The median Computer Science program debt is $49,361. Walden University alumni report median earnings of $42,810 a decade after entry. Set against $49,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Walden University report

#20

Bowie State University

Bowie, MD

Bowie State University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Bowie, MD, Bowie State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,218, compared with $19,938 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,474 to complete their Computer Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,537. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bowie State University admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on Bowie State University

#21

University Of St Thomas Minnesota

Saint Paul, MN

University Of St Thomas Minnesota came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $54,398. The median Computer Science program debt is $23,923. Median earnings reach $73,739 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of St Thomas Minnesota admits about 85% of applicants. Read more about University Of St Thomas Minnesota

#22

Champlain College

Burlington, VT

Champlain College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Located in Burlington, VT, Champlain College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,850. Typical Computer Science student debt is $27,631. Champlain College alumni report median earnings of $58,386 a decade after entry. Set against $27,631 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 83%. More on Champlain College

#23

Regis University

Denver, CO

Regis University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in Denver, CO, Regis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $28,140 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $31,773 in student loans. Regis University alumni report median earnings of $72,105 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on Regis University

#24

Saint Louis University Main Campus

Saint Louis, MO

Saint Louis University Main Campus placed #24 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $55,760 in tuition and fees. Typical Computer Science student debt is $26,586. Saint Louis University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $70,783 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Saint Louis University Main Campus

#25

Marquette University

Milwaukee, WI

Marquette University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Marquette University is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $51,170. Students borrow a median of $24,122 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $78,257 ten years out. Set against $24,122 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Marquette University

#26

Capella University

Minneapolis, MN

Capella University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400. Capella University Computer Science students take on a median of $35,998 in debt. Capella University alumni report median earnings of $42,189 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $35,998 median debt. Read more about Capella University

#27

Devry University Illinois

Lisle, IL

Devry University Illinois ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Lisle, IL, Devry University Illinois is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,008. Devry University Illinois Computer Science students take on a median of $43,684 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,987 ten years out. Set against $43,684 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Devry University Illinois has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read more about Devry University Illinois

#28

Baker College Of Flint

Owosso, MI

Baker College Of Flint ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Owosso, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,000. Students borrow a median of $30,688 to complete their Computer Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,833 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read the full report on Baker College Of Flint

#29

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Computer Science students take on a median of $21,813 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison

#29

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Typical Computer Science student debt is $24,271. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,271 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas Tech University profile

#31

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. University Of Virginia Main Campus Computer Science students take on a median of $18,627 in debt. Median earnings reach $86,863 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 17% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus

#32

University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Omaha, NE

University Of Nebraska At Omaha landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,718, compared with $23,206 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,783 to complete their Computer Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,909 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Nebraska At Omaha profile

#33

Depaul University

Chicago, IL

Depaul University placed #33 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,405. Typical Computer Science student debt is $25,310. Depaul University alumni report median earnings of $68,751 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,310 median debt. Depaul University admits about 76% of applicants. Read the full report on Depaul University

#34

West Chester University Of Pennsylvania

West Chester, PA

West Chester University Of Pennsylvania landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,775, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,258. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania admits about 78% of applicants. Get the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania report

#35

Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus

Teaneck, NJ

Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus placed #35 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Teaneck, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $37,010. Students borrow a median of $24,770 to complete their Computer Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,273. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus has an acceptance rate of 91%. See the full Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus profile

#36

Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI

Grand Valley State University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. This public school is set in Allendale, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $15,502, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. Grand Valley State University Computer Science students take on a median of $26,378 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,118 ten years out. Set against $26,378 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grand Valley State University has an acceptance rate of 83%. More on Grand Valley State University

#37

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

Blacksburg, VA

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,393 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,698. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

#39

Missouri State University Springfield

Springfield, MO

Missouri State University Springfield came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Typical Computer Science student debt is $24,408. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,827. Set against $24,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri State University Springfield has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield

#39

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA

James Madison University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,966, with out-of-state students paying around $31,312. Students borrow a median of $21,218 to complete their Computer Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,954. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. Get the full James Madison University report

#41

Texas Womans University

Denton, TX

Texas Womans University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,640, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Texas Womans University Computer Science students take on a median of $24,211 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,544 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Womans University has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on Texas Womans University

#42

Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ

Montclair State University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,912, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. Students borrow a median of $25,286 to complete their Computer Science program here. Montclair State University alumni report median earnings of $61,415 a decade after entry. Set against $25,286 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Montclair State University profile

#43

Towson University

Towson, MD

Towson University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,728, compared with $29,820 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,241 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,390. Set against $21,241 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Towson University profile

#44

Edp College Of Puerto Rico Inc San Juan

San Juan, PR

Edp College Of Puerto Rico Inc San Juan offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Located in San Juan, PR, Edp College Of Puerto Rico Inc San Juan is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,050, while out-of-state students pay about $14,125. Graduates carry a median of $10,669 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $22,844 ten years after entry. Set against $10,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%. More on Edp College Of Puerto Rico Inc San Juan

#44

University Of North Texas

Denton, TX

University Of North Texas offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Located in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. Typical Computer Science student debt is $21,817. Median earnings reach $57,010 ten years out. Set against $21,817 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read more about University Of North Texas

#46

East Carolina University

Greenville, NC

East Carolina University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. East Carolina University is a public school based in Greenville, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,361, while out-of-state students pay about $23,638. Students borrow a median of $24,747 to complete their Computer Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,146. That is a strong return on a $24,747 median debt. East Carolina University admits about 89% of applicants. More on East Carolina University

#47

Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham

Madison, NJ

Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Madison, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,468. Typical Computer Science student debt is $24,701. Median earnings reach $57,273 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,701 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. More on Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham

#48

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL

Florida Atlantic University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. This public school is set in Boca Raton, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $4,879, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. The median Computer Science program debt is $20,212. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,746. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida Atlantic University admits about 66% of applicants. Get the full Florida Atlantic University report

#49

University Of Memphis

Memphis, TN

University Of Memphis came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Memphis, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. University Of Memphis Computer Science students take on a median of $26,315 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Memphis has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about University Of Memphis

#50

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI

Central Michigan University placed #50 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Central Michigan University Computer Science students take on a median of $27,857 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,874 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Central Michigan University report

#51

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro

Greensboro, NC

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Greensboro, NC, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,661, while out-of-state students pay about $24,012. Graduates carry a median of $24,977 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,160. That is a strong return on a $24,977 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro admits about 88% of applicants. More on University Of North Carolina At Greensboro