2026 Best Value Computer Science Schools in Virginia
Looking for the best-value Computer Science degree programs in Virginia? We have ranked 147 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Computer Science Degree evaluated 23 schools to build 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 Degree Schools in Virginia
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found Northern Virginia Community College to be the best-value Computer Science school in Virginia. Northern Virginia Community College is a public school based in Annandale, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,891, with out-of-state students paying around $12,410. Typical Computer Science student debt is $14,413. Northern Virginia Community College alumni report median earnings of $53,557 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,413 median debt. Get the full Northern Virginia Community College report
Request InformationA rank of #2 makes John Tyler Community College one of the best values in Virginia. Located in Chester, VA, John Tyler Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,082 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,520 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $11,262. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,223. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on John Tyler Community College
Request InformationThe strong cost-to-outcome balance at Germanna Community College earned it the #3 place in Virginia. Set in Locust Grove, VA, Germanna Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,257, while out-of-state students pay about $11,648. Graduates carry a median of $10,999 in student loans. Germanna Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,644 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,999 median debt. Get the full Germanna Community College report
Request InformationTidewater Community College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Computer Science ranking in Virginia. Based in Norfolk, VA, Tidewater Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,858, compared with $12,296 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $14,001. Median earnings reach $38,349 ten years out. Set against $14,001 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Tidewater Community College
Request InformationThe strong cost-to-outcome balance at James Madison University earned it the #5 place in Virginia. James Madison University is a public school based in Harrisonburg, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,966, compared with $31,312 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $21,218. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,954. Set against $21,218 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. James Madison University has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about James Madison University
Request InformationVirginia Polytechnic Institute And State University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. This public school is set in Blacksburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. The median Computer Science program debt is $23,393. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. Read more about Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Request InformationLord Fairfax Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Middletown, VA, Lord Fairfax Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,072, with out-of-state students paying around $11,510. Graduates carry a median of $10,698 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,000. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Lord Fairfax Community College
Request InformationGeorge Mason University placed #8 among the best-value Computer Science schools in Virginia. Located in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,220, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. George Mason University Computer Science students take on a median of $23,529 in debt. Median earnings reach $76,343 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. George Mason University admits about 88% of applicants. See the full George Mason University profile
Request InformationUniversity Of Virginia Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,627 to complete their Computer Science program here. University Of Virginia Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $86,863 a decade after entry. Set against $18,627 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 17%. See the full University Of Virginia Main Campus profile
Request InformationOld Dominion University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Located in Norfolk, VA, Old Dominion University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,750 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,780. Students borrow a median of $26,001 to complete their Computer Science program here. Old Dominion University alumni report median earnings of $54,914 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,001 median debt. Old Dominion University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Old Dominion University report
Request InformationVirginia Commonwealth University placed #11 among the best-value Computer Science schools in Virginia. Located in Richmond, VA, Virginia Commonwealth University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,720, while out-of-state students pay about $39,884. Graduates carry a median of $23,813 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,128 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Virginia Commonwealth University admits about 93% of applicants. Read the full report on Virginia Commonwealth University
Request InformationRadford University placed #12 among the best-value Computer Science schools in Virginia. Radford University is a public school based in Radford, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,548, while out-of-state students pay about $25,633. Students borrow a median of $25,514 to complete their Computer Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,739. Set against $25,514 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Radford University admits about 90% of applicants. More on Radford University
Request InformationChristopher Newport University landed the #13 spot for value in Virginia this year. Located in Newport News, VA, Christopher Newport University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,828, compared with $31,178 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $25,094. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,509. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Christopher Newport University admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full Christopher Newport University report
Request InformationStrayer University Virginia offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Set in Arlington, VA, Strayer University Virginia is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,920. The median Computer Science program debt is $45,932. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,092. That is a strong return on a $45,932 median debt. See the full Strayer University Virginia profile
Request InformationEcpi University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Ecpi University is a private for-profit school based in Virginia Beach, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $18,484. Graduates carry a median of $27,988 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,837. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ecpi University has an acceptance rate of 74%. More on Ecpi University
Request InformationCollege Of William And Mary ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Based in Williamsburg, VA, College Of William And Mary is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $25,734 in tuition and fees, compared with $51,038 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $18,935. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,490. Set against $18,935 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 34%. More on College Of William And Mary
Request InformationLiberty University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Students borrow a median of $27,414 to complete their Computer Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. That is a strong return on a $27,414 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full Liberty University profile
Request InformationNorfolk State University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Norfolk State University is a public school based in Norfolk, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,180, while out-of-state students pay about $21,682. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,666. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Norfolk State University
Request InformationMarymount University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Located in Arlington, VA, Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,120 in tuition and fees. Marymount University Computer Science students take on a median of $26,880 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,516. That is a strong return on a $26,880 median debt. Marymount University has an acceptance rate of 93%. More on Marymount University
Request InformationSouth Universityvirginia Beach came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Set in Virginia Beach, VA, South Universityvirginia Beach is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,895. Students borrow a median of $48,920 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $34,421 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about South Universityvirginia Beach
Request InformationUniversity Of Richmond offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in University of Richmond, VA, University Of Richmond is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,230. Graduates carry a median of $21,634 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $76,178 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 22% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Richmond
Request InformationBryant And Stratton College Virginia Beach landed the #23 spot for value in Virginia this year. Set in Virginia Beach, VA, Bryant And Stratton College Virginia Beach is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,752. Typical Computer Science student debt is $25,715. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,568. That is a strong return on a $25,715 median debt. More on Bryant And Stratton College Virginia Beach
Request InformationDabney S Lancaster Community College landed the #23 spot for value in Virginia this year. More on Dabney S Lancaster Community College
Request InformationThe University Of Virginias College At Wise offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Get the full The University Of Virginias College At Wise report
Request InformationEdward Via College Of Osteopathic Medicine came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Edward Via College Of Osteopathic Medicine
Request InformationRest of the Top 50 Best-Value Computer Science Degree Schools in Virginia
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
National College Salem placed #26 among the best-value Computer Science schools in Virginia. More on National College Salem
Request InformationBon Secours Memorial College Of Nursing ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. More on Bon Secours Memorial College Of Nursing
Request InformationCentra College Of Nursing landed the #28 spot for value in Virginia this year. More on Centra College Of Nursing
Request InformationCentral School Of Practical Nursing Norfolk came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. More on Central School Of Practical Nursing Norfolk
Request InformationVirginia School Of Hair Design offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. More on Virginia School Of Hair Design
Request InformationAverett University landed the #31 spot for value in Virginia this year. Get the full Averett University report
Request InformationJazz Barber And Hairstyling Academy came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Jazz Barber And Hairstyling Academy
Request InformationChamberlain College Of Nursing Virginia ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Get the full Chamberlain College Of Nursing Virginia report
Request InformationFerrum College
Ferrum College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. More on Ferrum College
Request InformationAvi Career Training placed #35 among the best-value Computer Science schools in Virginia. See the full Avi Career Training profile
Request InformationBon Secours St Marys Hospital School Of Medical Imaging ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Read more about Bon Secours St Marys Hospital School Of Medical Imaging
Request InformationRudy And Kelly Academy A Paul Mitchell Partner School landed the #37 spot for value in Virginia this year. More on Rudy And Kelly Academy A Paul Mitchell Partner School
Request InformationStaunton School Of Cosmetology came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Staunton School Of Cosmetology
Request InformationPiedmont Virginia Community College placed #39 among the best-value Computer Science schools in Virginia. See the full Piedmont Virginia Community College profile
Request InformationVirginia Union University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Get the full Virginia Union University report
Request InformationTomorrows Image Barber And Beauty Academy Of Virginia offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Read more about Tomorrows Image Barber And Beauty Academy Of Virginia
Request InformationLotus School Of Integrated Professions placed #42 among the best-value Computer Science schools in Virginia. More on Lotus School Of Integrated Professions
Request InformationRappahannock Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Read more about Rappahannock Community College
Request InformationHollins University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Get the full Hollins University report
Request InformationBlue Ridge Community College Weyers Cave ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. More on Blue Ridge Community College Weyers Cave
Request InformationThe Esthetic Institute ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Read more about The Esthetic Institute
Request InformationEmpire Beauty School Midlothian landed the #47 spot for value in Virginia this year. Read more about Empire Beauty School Midlothian
Request InformationDevry University Virginia landed the #48 spot for value in Virginia this year. Read more about Devry University Virginia
Request InformationNew River Community College placed #49 among the best-value Computer Science schools in Virginia. Get the full New River Community College report
Request InformationBristol School Of Hair Design came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. More on Bristol School Of Hair Design
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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: State · 23 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 147 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).