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Best Value Computer and Information Sciences Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Rice University computer science graduates earn $129,481 annually while paying just $12,640 net costs, making it the earnings champion among affordable CS programs. This stark contrast emerges across 15 schools where net prices range from $1,113 at Texas A&M University-Central Texas to $18,902 at Caltech. The wide earnings spread reflects how computer science talent flows into different market tiers, from local software development roles starting around $35,000 to Silicon Valley positions exceeding $150,000. Texas dominates the low-cost end with two programs under $1,300 annually, while California schools occupy both budget and premium segments. Public universities capture most spots on this value list, though private schools like Berea College prove that elite education can remain accessible through generous financial aid. The 95.7% graduation rate at Rice demonstrates how top-tier CS programs combine affordability with academic rigor, preparing students for high-demand roles in an industry where the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 13% job growth through 2030.
50
Programs
$1,113 – $18,902
Net Price Range
$66,140
Avg. Program Earnings
59.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $1,113 $36,848 $6,627 95.7%
2 $1,291 $34,704 $4,920 27.6%
3 $2,943 $56,776 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
4 $3,119 $52,663 $3,227 42.0%
5 $4,702 $79,037 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
6 $6,351 $79,037 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
7 $4,113 $48,432 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
8 $3,659 $41,565 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
9 $4,483 $50,856 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
10 $7,131 $73,635 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
11 $12,640 $129,481 $58,128 95.7% 8.7%
12 $4,734 $41,937 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
13 $7,168 $59,071 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
14 $6,747 $55,512 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
15 $18,902 $155,297 $63,255 93.2% 2.7%
16 $5,918 $46,966 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
17 $14,013 $110,878 $13,747 92.7% 8.6%
18 $15,624 $120,462 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
19 $8,896 $67,846 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
20 $8,327 $63,005 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
21 $6,480 $48,198 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
22 $8,624 $63,005 $7,499 26.5% 82.1%
23 $10,017 $71,575 $12,817 62.3% 88.4%
24 $10,442 $74,056 $8,300 50.9%
25 $13,289 $91,152 $11,764 92.3% 17.1%
26 $6,276 $42,682 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
27 $7,201 $48,432 $3,106 41.2%
28 $10,898 $71,575 $12,559 68.2% 88.1%
29 $8,001 $51,794 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
30 $10,904 $69,338 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
31 $9,133 $58,077 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
32 $14,832 $94,281 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
33 $8,155 $50,773 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
34 $9,287 $57,318 $8,032 32.7% 70.1%
35 $9,144 $56,415 $10,904 43.0% 94.7%
36 $12,030 $73,530 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
37 $7,599 $46,321 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
38 $10,097 $61,218 $6,906 37.0%
39 $10,988 $65,797 $10,986 46.2% 87.5%
40 $5,202 $31,133 $2,764 42.5%
41 $18,161 $108,649 $63,340 94.6% 7.3%
42 $11,504 $67,846 $17,462 56.7% 97.4%
43 $9,104 $52,107 $8,400 53.2%
44 $10,043 $56,847 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
45 $10,726 $60,623 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
46 $10,722 $59,576 $6,391 43.0%
47 $10,353 $56,415 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
48 $15,590 $84,653 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
49 $12,869 $69,338 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
50 $11,234 $60,264 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Texas A&M University-Central Texas such a bargain for computer science?

Students pay just $1,113 net annually while graduates earn $36,848, creating immediate positive returns on investment. The 95.7% acceptance rate means most qualified applicants gain admission to this affordable program. Located in Killeen near major military installations, the school connects students to defense contractors and government technology positions that value practical programming skills over well-known degrees.

How do California State University programs compare for value?

Cal State LA offers better earnings potential at $48,432 compared to Dominguez Hills' $41,565, despite similar net costs around $4,000. Both schools maintain high acceptance rates above 85%, making them accessible options. Cal State LA's urban location provides more internship opportunities with entertainment and aerospace companies, explaining the $7,000 salary advantage.

Is Rice University worth the higher costs compared to state schools?

Rice graduates earn $129,481, nearly double the $79,037 from University of Florida, while paying only $6,000 more annually. The 8.7% acceptance rate creates selectivity that employers recognize, leading to premium job offers. Rice's 95.7% graduation rate and $12,373 average debt load demonstrate strong student outcomes that justify the investment.

Does graduation rate predict earnings in computer science programs?

Schools with graduation rates above 90% like Rice and University of Florida show the highest earnings at $129,481 and $79,037 respectively. However, South Texas College graduates earn $34,704 with just a 27.6% completion rate, proving that market location matters as much as academic success. The correlation suggests that supportive programs help students reach higher-paying positions.

Where can students find the lowest debt loads for computer science degrees?

CUNY Brooklyn College graduates carry just $9,000 in debt while earning $56,776, creating the best debt-to-income ratio on this list. Rice University students average $12,373 in debt despite high tuition, thanks to generous financial aid packages. Caltech data shows no debt figure, suggesting most students either receive full funding or pay without borrowing.

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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.