Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services Colleges Under $20,000

Public universities dominate affordable Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services programs, with CUNY John Jay College delivering the lowest net cost at just $3,046. This specialization category, which includes data analytics, information security, and systems administration roles, connects directly to tech sector growth across major metropolitan areas where many of these programs cluster. The earnings potential varies significantly, from $38,289 at Purdue University Northwest to over $53,000 at Indiana University-Indianapolis, reflecting regional job market differences and program focus areas. State schools in New York, Indiana, and Arizona lead the accessibility charge, with 12 of the top 15 programs offered by public institutions. Graduation rates span from 33% at College of Staten Island to 75% at UC Santa Cruz, suggesting that program structure and student support vary considerably even within similar price ranges.

Programs

$3,046 – $19,335

Net Price Range

$57,070

Avg. Program Earnings

53.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

21 Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice New York, New York	$3,046	$7,470	55.5%	50.7%
2	College of Staten Island CUNY Staten Island, New York	$5,115	$7,490	32.8%
3	Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights, Kentucky	$7,168	$10,896	48.3%	86.0%
4	Purdue University Northwest Hammond, Indiana	$8,463	$8,419	44.0%	72.8%
5	Farmingdale State College Farmingdale, New York	$9,173	$8,576	57.1%	73.2%
6	University of Washington-Bothell Campus Bothell, Washington	$10,898	$12,559	68.2%	88.1%
7	Indiana University-Indianapolis Indianapolis, Indiana	$11,408	$10,449	53.9%	82.9%
8	Ferris State University Big Rapids, Michigan	$12,202	$13,630	47.9%	87.9%
9	University of New Hampshire at Manchester Manchester, New Hampshire	$13,302	$15,820	65.1%	85.3%
10	Talladega College Talladega, Alabama	$13,461	$15,650	65.0%
11	Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, Arizona	$13,670	$12,051	67.8%	89.8%
12	Brigham Young University-Hawaii Laie, Hawaii	$13,884	$6,438	54.4%	34.2%
13	SUNY College of Technology at Canton Canton, New York	$15,001	$8,689	44.1%	94.9%
14	University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona	$15,960	$13,626	65.9%	86.8%
15	University of California-Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, California	$16,607	$14,560	74.5%	46.9%
16	Siena Heights University Adrian, Michigan	$17,185	$29,778	51.1%	65.0%
17	Southern Nazarene University Bethany, Oklahoma	$17,838	$29,600	48.8%
18	Capella University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$18,305	$14,436	33.3%
19	Indiana Institute of Technology-College of Professional Studies Fort Wayne, Indiana	$19,086	$9,900
20	Keene State College Keene, New Hampshire	$19,164	$14,710	58.4%	89.5%
21	Bowie State University Bowie, Maryland	$19,335	$8,999	38.1%	86.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $50,000+ earnings gap between the lowest and highest-paying programs?

Geographic location plays a major role, with programs near tech centers typically offering better job placement. Indiana University-Indianapolis graduates earn $53,775 annually, while Purdue University Northwest graduates start at $38,289. Program specialization also matters, as some focus on high-demand areas like cybersecurity while others emphasize general IT support. Regional cost of living and local industry partnerships further influence starting salary ranges.

How do CUNY programs compare in terms of value and outcomes?

CUNY John Jay leads with the lowest net cost at $3,046 and maintains a solid 56% graduation rate, while College of Staten Island costs $5,115 but shows a concerning 33% graduation rate. Both programs benefit from New York's tech job market, though John Jay's criminal justice focus may provide unique opportunities in government technology roles. The $2,000 cost difference reflects different campus resources and student demographics.

Is University of California-Santa Cruz worth the higher cost among these affordable options?

At $16,607 net cost, UC Santa Cruz offers the highest graduation rate at 75% among programs under $20,000. The Silicon Valley proximity provides strong internship and job opportunities that justify the premium over programs like CUNY's $3,046 option. However, the 47% acceptance rate makes it significantly more selective than alternatives like Northern Kentucky University's 86% acceptance rate.

Does geographic location significantly impact program outcomes in this field?

Regional differences are substantial, with West Coast and Northeast programs generally showing higher graduation rates. University of Washington-Bothell achieves 68% graduation rates while costing $10,898, benefiting from Seattle's tech ecosystem. Meanwhile, programs in smaller markets like Ferris State University show 48% graduation rates despite similar costs at $12,202. Industry proximity clearly influences both academic success and career placement.

What makes Arizona State University's program stand out despite moderate costs?

ASU's Campus Immersion program combines a reasonable $13,670 net cost with strong 68% graduation rates and $49,644 average earnings. The 90% acceptance rate makes it accessible while maintaining quality outcomes, likely due to ASU's large scale and established industry partnerships. The program benefits from Arizona's growing tech sector, particularly in Phoenix, where many major companies have established operations.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.