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Mathematics and Computer Science Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Mathematics and Computer Science programs under $20,000 reveal striking cost variations that defy expectations. UC San Diego delivers an 87.6% graduation rate at just $11,750 net cost, while some private institutions charge triple that amount for similar outcomes. The 21.15% acceptance rate at UC Irvine demonstrates how competitive California's public universities have become for these programs. Students face a market where public research universities often outperform private colleges in both value and career preparation. The western United States leads in tech job creation, with California alone adding over 75,000 computing positions annually according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Programs in this price range produce graduates earning between $50,856 and $103,078, reflecting the strong market demand for mathematical and computational skills. State funding differences explain much of the cost variation, with Illinois and California maintaining lower net prices despite high sticker prices. These programs serve students who understand that coding bootcamps cannot replace the theoretical foundation that mathematics provides for advanced computer science work.
33
Programs
$10,044 – $19,813
Net Price Range
$71,855
Avg. Program Earnings
62.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

33 Mathematics and Computer Science Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,044 $7,855 39.8% 72.8%
2 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
3 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
4 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
5 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
6 $12,840 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
7 $13,172 $9,315 63.9% 89.1%
8 $13,776 $9,322 51.4% 94.9%
9 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
10 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
11 $14,317 $35,558 55.9% 75.0%
12 $14,745 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
13 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
14 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
15 $15,074 $14,596 21.7% 51.5%
16 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
17 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
18 $15,729 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
19 $16,284 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
20 $16,470 $12,093 44.2% 88.0%
21 $16,494 $18,900 55.9%
22 $16,939 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%
23 $17,118 $8,152 45.4% 95.4%
24 $18,287 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
25 $18,290 $11,025 44.8% 83.4%
26 $18,406 $30,034 69.9% 84.6%
27 $18,680 $9,286 65.5% 92.7%
28 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
29 $18,701 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
30 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
31 $19,678 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
32 $19,712 $23,096 47.1% 55.6%
33 $19,813 $60,156 96.1% 4.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge graduation rate differences between schools like UC San Diego (87.6%) and Paine College (21.7%)?

Resource allocation and student preparation create these gaps. UC San Diego admits only 23.71% of applicants and provides extensive academic support systems. Paine College faces financial constraints that limit tutoring services and research opportunities. Schools with graduation rates above 80% typically offer smaller class sizes and more faculty mentoring in mathematical coursework.

How do public university costs stay so low compared to private institutions in this field?

State subsidies reduce the actual cost burden significantly. University of North Carolina at Charlotte charges just $7,214 in-state tuition while maintaining strong career outcomes. Private schools like Christian Brothers University list $37,300 sticker prices but offer aid packages that bring net costs to $10,896. Public funding allows state schools to invest in computing labs and mathematical software without passing full costs to students.

Is the 23.71% acceptance rate at UC San Diego typical for top Mathematics and Computer Science programs?

This selectivity reflects California's competitive applicant pool and limited enrollment capacity. UC Irvine shows similar patterns with 21.15% acceptance rates. Most public universities in this price range accept 70-95% of applicants, making California schools unusually selective. The high admission standards correlate with stronger graduate earnings and industry placement rates.

Does location affect career earnings for Mathematics and Computer Science graduates?

Geographic proximity to tech centers creates salary advantages. University of Illinois Chicago graduates earn $50,856 on average, while University of Akron graduates earn $61,630 in Ohio's growing tech sector. California schools benefit from Silicon Valley connections, though cost of living adjustments narrow the real income differences. Regional employers increasingly recruit from nearby programs for internships and entry-level positions.

Where can students find the best value combination of low costs and strong outcomes?

Purdue University offers strong value with 83.1% graduation rates at $13,945 net cost and 52.7% acceptance rates. University of Utah provides similar benefits in Salt Lake City's growing tech market. These programs combine research opportunities with reasonable living costs. Students should examine both graduation rates and regional job placement data when comparing options.

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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.