2026 Best Value Computer Science Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Computer Science master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 7944 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Computer Science Degree reviewed 444 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
La Salle University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,800 in tuition and fees. The median Computer Science program debt is $25,462. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,416. That is a strong return on a $25,462 median debt. La Salle University admits about 97% of applicants. Get the full La Salle University report
Request InformationOut of the 444 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Western Governors University landed the #2 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,658. Graduates carry a median of $23,277 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,615 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Western Governors University
Request InformationYou'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Provo, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. 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. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
Request InformationNorthwest Missouri State University came in at #4 on this year's best-value Computer Science ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Maryville, MO. Students from in state pay about $10,611 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. The median Computer Science program debt is $23,585. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,885. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northwest Missouri State University
Request InformationMinnesota State University Mankato came in at #5 on this year's best-value Computer Science ranking in the United States. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Typical Computer Science student debt is $25,260. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
Request InformationAmerican Public University System placed #6 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Located 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. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. Set against $23,438 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on American Public University System
Request InformationFerris State University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. The median Computer Science program debt is $23,562. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,735. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Ferris State University
Request InformationConcordia University Saint Paul ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,600. The median Computer Science program debt is $29,026. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,871. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Saint Paul admits about 79% of applicants. Read the full report on Concordia University Saint Paul
Request InformationWilmington University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,630. Typical Computer Science student debt is $26,054. Wilmington University alumni report median earnings of $53,844 a decade after entry. Set against $26,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Wilmington University
Request InformationStevenson University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Owings Mills, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,560. Stevenson University Computer Science students take on a median of $27,042 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,079 ten years after entry. Set against $27,042 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stevenson University admits about 79% of applicants. Get the full Stevenson University report
Request InformationArizona State University Skysong ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $23,742. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
Request InformationPark University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Parkville, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,116. Typical Computer Science student debt is $22,112. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,309. That is a strong return on a $22,112 median debt. Read more about Park University
Request InformationLindenwood University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,600. Lindenwood University Computer Science students take on a median of $28,663 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,278 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Lindenwood University
Request InformationSaint Martins University placed #14 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lacey, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,510. Typical Computer Science student debt is $22,818. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,092. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Saint Martins University
Request InformationDakota State University placed #15 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Madison, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,654, compared with $12,756 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $28,724. 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%. More on Dakota State University
Request InformationWest Texas A And M University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. West Texas A And M University is a public school based in Canyon, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,101 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,333 in student loans. West Texas A And M University alumni report median earnings of $50,741 a decade after entry. Set against $22,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on West Texas A And M University
Request InformationColorado State University Global Campus ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Located in Denver, CO, Colorado State University Global Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,000. Students borrow a median of $31,361 to complete their Computer Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $76,813. Set against $31,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Colorado State University Global Campus admits about 98% of applicants. See the full Colorado State University Global Campus profile
Request InformationHarding University placed #18 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Harding University is a private not-for-profit school based in Searcy, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $25,962. Typical Computer Science student debt is $26,715. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,876. That is a strong return on a $26,715 median debt. Harding University admits about 70% of applicants. Read more about Harding University
Request InformationSaint Marys University Of Minnesota came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Winona, MN, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,080. Graduates carry a median of $27,081 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,170 ten years after entry. Set against $27,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Saint Marys University Of Minnesota
Request InformationUniversity Of Maryland University College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Located in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,136 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,336 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $23,276. Median earnings reach $65,287 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full University Of Maryland University College profile
Request InformationMidwestern State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. This public school is set in Wichita Falls, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,950 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,770 for out-of-state students. Midwestern State University Computer Science students take on a median of $26,415 in debt. Midwestern State University alumni report median earnings of $55,747 a decade after entry. Set against $26,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Midwestern State University admits about 94% of applicants. See the full Midwestern State University profile
Request InformationChamplain College placed #21 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Located in Burlington, VT, Champlain College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,850. The median Computer Science program 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%. Get the full Champlain College report
Request InformationIllinois State University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Illinois State University Computer Science students take on a median of $21,896 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,117. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Illinois State University
Request InformationDigipen Institute Of Technology ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Located in Redmond, WA, Digipen Institute Of Technology is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,950. Digipen Institute Of Technology Computer Science students take on a median of $27,302 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $79,878 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,302 median debt. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Digipen Institute Of Technology
Request InformationBellevue University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,873. Graduates carry a median of $27,852 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,289. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Bellevue University
Request InformationRest of the Top 50 Best-Value Computer Science Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Computer Science students take on a median of $23,917 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Request InformationThe University Of Texas At Austin ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $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. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
Request InformationFlorida Polytechnic University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Based in Lakeland, FL, Florida Polytechnic University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,940, compared with $21,004 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $7,500. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. More on Florida Polytechnic University
Request InformationMetropolitan State University placed #29 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. Students borrow a median of $30,822 to complete their Computer Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,705. That is a strong return on a $30,822 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Metropolitan State University
Request InformationGrand Canyon University placed #29 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,508. Graduates carry a median of $30,027 in student loans. Grand Canyon University alumni report median earnings of $42,186 a decade after entry. Set against $30,027 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Grand Canyon University
Request InformationSeattle University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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. Seattle University admits about 77% of applicants. See the full Seattle University profile
Request InformationYoungstown State University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Graduates carry a median of $26,373 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,544 ten years after entry. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants. More on Youngstown State University
Request InformationNorth Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. North Dakota State University Main Campus Computer Science students take on a median of $25,153 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Request InformationWestern Illinois University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,572. Western Illinois University Computer Science students take on a median of $27,639 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,163 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,639 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Western Illinois University
Request InformationUniversity Of Delaware landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Newark, DE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Typical Computer Science student debt is $24,861. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. That is a strong return on a $24,861 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. Get the full University Of Delaware report
Request InformationFitchburg State University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,346, while out-of-state students pay about $17,426. Typical Computer Science student debt is $25,840. Fitchburg State University alumni report median earnings of $53,874 a decade after entry. Set against $25,840 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on Fitchburg State University
Request InformationSaint Cloud State University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,245. Typical Computer Science student debt is $25,076. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,813 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,076 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. More on Saint Cloud State University
Request InformationGeorgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus placed #38 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Located in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,058, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Graduates carry a median of $24,323 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $102,772 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,323 median debt. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus admits about 14% of applicants. Get the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus report
Request InformationVillanova University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,776. Villanova University Computer Science students take on a median of $26,184 in debt. Villanova University alumni report median earnings of $100,423 a decade after entry. Set against $26,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Villanova University admits about 27% of applicants. Read more about Villanova University
Request InformationUniversity Of St Thomas Minnesota came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Paul, MN, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $54,398. Students borrow a median of $23,923 to complete their Computer Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,739. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full University Of St Thomas Minnesota report
Request InformationUniversity Of California Berkeley came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. University Of California Berkeley Computer Science students take on a median of $14,238 in debt. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,238 median debt. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
Request InformationUniversity Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Typical Computer Science student 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%. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
Request InformationLiberty University placed #43 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. The median Computer Science program debt is $27,414. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,414 median debt. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read the full report on Liberty University
Request InformationBowie State University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in Bowie, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,218, compared with $19,938 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $28,474. 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 has an acceptance rate of 72%. More on Bowie State University
Request InformationCalifornia Baptist University placed #45 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Riverside, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,228. The median Computer Science program debt is $28,169. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,504. Set against $28,169 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on California Baptist University
Request InformationSoutheast Missouri State University placed #46 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,903. Typical Computer Science student debt is $23,289. Median earnings reach $44,030 ten years out. Set against $23,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Southeast Missouri State University
Request InformationCornell University placed #47 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Graduates carry a median of $15,005 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $104,043. That is a strong return on a $15,005 median debt. Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%. More on Cornell University
Request InformationDepaul University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Based in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,405. Graduates carry a median of $25,310 in student loans. Depaul University alumni report median earnings of $68,751 a decade after entry. Set against $25,310 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Depaul University admits about 76% of applicants. Get the full Depaul University report
Request InformationDelaware State University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Dover, DE, Delaware State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,670, while out-of-state students pay about $20,634. Typical Computer Science student debt is $26,333. Delaware State University alumni report median earnings of $49,307 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Delaware State University has an acceptance rate of 47%. Get the full Delaware State University report
Request InformationCalifornia Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Typical Computer Science student debt is $19,273. Graduates go on to earn a median of $90,768 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo has an acceptance rate of 31%. Read more about California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Request InformationRelated Computer Science Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Computer Science Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Computer Science Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Science Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Science Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Science Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Science Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Computer Science Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: Nation · 444 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 7944 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |