2026 Best Value Computer Science Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Computer Science undergraduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 7944 institutions 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 137 schools to produce 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 Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Central Community College to be the best-value Computer Science school in the United States. Set in Grand Island, NE, Central Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,360, with out-of-state students paying around $4,800. Students borrow a median of $10,277 to complete their Computer Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,429. That is a strong return on a $10,277 median debt. Read more about Central Community College
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Out of the 137 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Metropolitan Community College Area landed the #2 spot. Set in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,375, compared with $4,950 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,799 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,773 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Metropolitan Community College Area
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Out of the 137 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Collin County Community College District landed the #3 spot. Collin County Community College District is a public school based in McKinney, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,014, compared with $6,064 for out-of-state students. Collin County Community College District Computer Science students take on a median of $9,716 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,701. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Collin County Community College District profile
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Alexandria Technical And Community College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Computer Science ranking in the United States. Alexandria Technical And Community College is a public school based in Alexandria, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,236 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $14,054 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,393. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Alexandria Technical And Community College
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You'll get strong value at Madison Area Technical College, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,977, compared with $7,141 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,812 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,413. That is a strong return on a $16,812 median debt. See the full Madison Area Technical College profile
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Chattahoochee Technical College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Marietta, GA, Chattahoochee Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,540, compared with $6,108 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $9,616. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,138. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Chattahoochee Technical College
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Northwest Arkansas Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Bentonville, AR, Northwest Arkansas Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,342, with out-of-state students paying around $5,238. The median Computer Science program debt is $12,479. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,505. That is a strong return on a $12,479 median debt. Get the full Northwest Arkansas Community College report
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Gwinnett Technical College placed #8 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Gwinnett Technical College is a public school based in Lawrenceville, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,524, with out-of-state students paying around $6,092. Gwinnett Technical College Computer Science students take on a median of $18,048 in debt. Gwinnett Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,025 a decade after entry. Set against $18,048 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Gwinnett Technical College
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Johnson County Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Johnson County Community College is a public school based in Overland Park, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,424, compared with $5,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,532 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $45,387 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,532 median debt. Get the full Johnson County Community College report
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Southeast Technical Institute landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Sioux Falls, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $7,650. Graduates carry a median of $18,442 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,709 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Southeast Technical Institute
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El Centro College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Based in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,730, compared with $6,900 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,557 to complete their Computer Science program here. El Centro College alumni report median earnings of $41,714 a decade after entry. Set against $14,557 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on El Centro College
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Amarillo College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Amarillo, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,136 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,704 for out-of-state students. Amarillo College Computer Science students take on a median of $15,720 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,302 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Amarillo College
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Athens Technical College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. This public school is set in Athens, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,390, compared with $5,958 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,951 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Athens Technical College
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Bossier Parish Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Bossier Parish Community College is a public school based in Bossier City, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,268. Graduates carry a median of $20,593 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,502. That is a strong return on a $20,593 median debt. Read more about Bossier Parish Community College
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Dakota County Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Rosemount, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,679. Graduates carry a median of $13,474 in student loans. Dakota County Technical College alumni report median earnings of $51,938 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,474 median debt. Get the full Dakota County Technical College report
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Moraine Park Technical College landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fond du Lac, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,819, with out-of-state students paying around $7,084. Students borrow a median of $11,471 to complete their Computer Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,371 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Moraine Park Technical College report
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Oakland Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Auburn Hills, MI, Oakland Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,120 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,560. Oakland Community College Computer Science students take on a median of $15,865 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,395. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Oakland Community College
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Anoka Ramsey Community College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in Coon Rapids, MN, Anoka Ramsey Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,682 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,593 to complete their Computer Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,342. That is a strong return on a $22,593 median debt. Read more about Anoka Ramsey Community College
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Northeast Wisconsin Technical College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Green Bay, WI, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,960, compared with $7,203 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,997 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,553 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Northeast Wisconsin Technical College profile
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Western Technical College La Cross came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Western Technical College La Cross is a public school based in La Crosse, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,820, while out-of-state students pay about $7,078. Graduates carry a median of $13,669 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,303 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Western Technical College La Cross report
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Lone Star College System offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Lone Star College System is a public school based in The Woodlands, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,664, with out-of-state students paying around $7,512. Lone Star College System Computer Science students take on a median of $10,425 in debt. Lone Star College System alumni report median earnings of $42,466 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,425 median debt. Read more about Lone Star College System
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St Cloud Technical And Community College placed #22 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Saint Cloud, MN, St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,124. Graduates carry a median of $16,734 in student loans. Median earnings reach $46,874 ten years out. Set against $16,734 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on St Cloud Technical And Community College
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Waukesha County Technical College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Pewaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,803, compared with $7,046 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,595 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,894. Set against $16,595 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Waukesha County Technical College
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Ivy Tech Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. This public school is set in Indianapolis, IN. Students from in state pay about $5,154 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,935. Graduates carry a median of $11,889 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,186. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Ivy Tech Community College report
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Augusta Technical College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Augusta, GA, Augusta Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,282, with out-of-state students paying around $7,492. The median Computer Science program debt is $11,400. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,523 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Augusta Technical College
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Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Pulaski Technical College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Pulaski Technical College is a public school based in North Little Rock, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $6,300, with out-of-state students paying around $9,450. The median Computer Science program debt is $15,043. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,722. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Pulaski Technical College
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Southwestern Illinois College came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Southwestern Illinois College is a public school based in Belleville, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,230, while out-of-state students pay about $6,720. Southwestern Illinois College Computer Science students take on a median of $10,388 in debt. Southwestern Illinois College alumni report median earnings of $36,884 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,388 median debt. See the full Southwestern Illinois College profile
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Wenatchee Valley College landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Wenatchee Valley College is a public school based in Wenatchee, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $4,552, while out-of-state students pay about $5,054. Typical Computer Science student debt is $11,462. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,127. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Wenatchee Valley College
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Clover Park Technical College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lakewood, WA, Clover Park Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,634. Typical Computer Science student debt is $15,154. Median earnings reach $41,787 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,154 median debt. See the full Clover Park Technical College profile
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Hennepin Technical College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Brooklyn Park, MN, Hennepin Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,940. Students borrow a median of $17,887 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $49,460 ten years out. Set against $17,887 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Hennepin Technical College profile
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Tarrant County College District offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Located in Fort Worth, TX, Tarrant County College District is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,863 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,370. Students borrow a median of $15,148 to complete their Computer Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,727. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Tarrant County College District
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Ozarks Technical Community College placed #32 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,256, compared with $7,040 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $15,866. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,455. That is a strong return on a $15,866 median debt. More on Ozarks Technical Community College
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College Of Western Idaho placed #33 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Based in Nampa, ID, College Of Western Idaho is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,446, while out-of-state students pay about $7,454. Graduates carry a median of $12,497 in student loans. Get the full College Of Western Idaho report
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Bellevue College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Bellevue, WA. Students from in state pay about $4,436 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,502. Graduates carry a median of $18,839 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,310 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,839 median debt. See the full Bellevue College profile
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Georgia Piedmont Technical College came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Georgia Piedmont Technical College is a public school based in Clarkston, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,404, with out-of-state students paying around $5,954. Students borrow a median of $15,716 to complete their Computer Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,619. That is a strong return on a $15,716 median debt. Read the full report on Georgia Piedmont Technical College
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Des Moines Area Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Ankeny, IA, Des Moines Area Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,790, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $14,956. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,018 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Des Moines Area Community College report
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Minneapolis Community And Technical College ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,161 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $24,036 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,086. That is a strong return on a $24,036 median debt. Read more about Minneapolis Community And Technical College
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Gateway Technical College landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Kenosha, WI, Gateway Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,956, with out-of-state students paying around $7,199. Gateway Technical College Computer Science students take on a median of $14,829 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,264. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Gateway Technical College
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Jefferson State Community College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Jefferson State Community College is a public school based in Birmingham, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $5,100, compared with $8,970 for out-of-state students. Jefferson State Community College Computer Science students take on a median of $15,083 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,719. Set against $15,083 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Jefferson State Community College
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Sinclair Community College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dayton, OH, Sinclair Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,675 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,556. Students borrow a median of $12,525 to complete their Computer Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,558 ten years after entry. Set against $12,525 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Sinclair Community College
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Rowan Cabarrus Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Based in Salisbury, NC, Rowan Cabarrus Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,064, with out-of-state students paying around $6,672. Typical Computer Science student debt is $10,867. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,936 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Rowan Cabarrus Community College
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Wake Technical Community College came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Based in Raleigh, NC, Wake Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,254, with out-of-state students paying around $6,862. The median Computer Science program debt is $17,900. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,769. That is a strong return on a $17,900 median debt. Get the full Wake Technical Community College report
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Spokane Community College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Spokane, WA, Spokane Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,461, compared with $6,612 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,486 to complete their Computer Science program here. Spokane Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,984 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Spokane Community College
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Southwest Wisconsin Technical College placed #43 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Fennimore, WI, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,904, while out-of-state students pay about $7,147. Graduates carry a median of $12,112 in student loans. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College alumni report median earnings of $43,470 a decade after entry. Set against $12,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
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West Georgia Technical College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Waco, GA, West Georgia Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,410, with out-of-state students paying around $5,978. Typical Computer Science student debt is $12,651. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,479. That is a strong return on a $12,651 median debt. Get the full West Georgia Technical College report
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Milwaukee Area Technical College placed #46 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,184, with out-of-state students paying around $7,427. The median Computer Science program debt is $18,296. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,113. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Milwaukee Area Technical College
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Lake Washington Institute Of Technology ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Lake Washington Institute Of Technology is a public school based in Kirkland, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,997, compared with $12,062 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $19,695. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,669. That is a strong return on a $19,695 median debt. Read more about Lake Washington Institute Of Technology
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Cuyahoga Community College District ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Located in Cleveland, OH, Cuyahoga Community College District is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,249 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,249 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,636 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,654. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Cuyahoga Community College District
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Itawamba Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Fulton, MS, Itawamba Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,420, compared with $5,820 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,942 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,912. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Itawamba Community College
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Hillsborough Community College placed #50 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Tampa, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,491, while out-of-state students pay about $9,088. Typical Computer Science student debt is $16,142. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,782. Set against $16,142 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Hillsborough Community College
Request InformationRelated Computer Science Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Computer Science Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Computer Science Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Science Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Science Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Science Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Science Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Computer Science Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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 · 137 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 7944 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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