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Best Value Computer and Information Sciences Colleges in Kentucky

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

Berea College stands alone in Kentucky's computer science market with a net cost of just $4,483 despite charging $49,326 in tuition, thanks to its work-study program that covers most expenses. This creates an unusual situation where the state's most affordable option produces graduates earning $50,856, ranking third among all programs. At the opposite end, Kentucky Wesleyan College charges $36,431 net cost with a 52.6% graduation rate. The earnings gap tells a compelling story, with University of Kentucky leading at $59,350 while Kentucky State trails significantly at $26,353. Kentucky's tech sector benefits from major employers like Humana's healthcare technology operations in Louisville and UPS's logistics technology at Worldport, creating strong demand for computer science graduates. The 20 programs show remarkable variation in both cost and outcomes, with public universities generally offering better value propositions than their private counterparts.
20
Programs
$4,483 – $36,431
Net Price Range
$47,926
Avg. Program Earnings
50.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,483 $50,856 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
2 $7,168 $59,071 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
3 $9,962 $49,019 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
4 $10,916 $46,087 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
5 $10,089 $41,565 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
6 $17,218 $59,350 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%
7 $8,900 $26,353 $9,214 27.1% 91.5%
8 $25,785 $51,106 $14,220 30.2%
9 $11,286 $9,875 46.2% 83.0%
10 $18,246 $26,990 47.1%
11 $13,485 $42,010 47.5% 71.5%
12 $36,431 $33,393 52.6% 68.6%
13 $17,634 $12,828 60.7% 81.5%
14 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
15 $14,626 $30,450 46.0% 50.4%
16 $13,591 $24,150 39.1%
17 $20,701 $38,400 40.1% 94.2%
18 $23,560 $44,980 69.8% 90.8%
19 $23,906 $30,946 36.0% 53.4%
20 $23,587 $47,180 67.7% 87.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Berea College such an outlier in computer science education costs?

Berea College operates a unique work-study program where students work on campus to offset tuition costs, resulting in a net price of only $4,483 despite a sticker price of $49,326. This model produces graduates earning $50,856 annually, creating strong value. The college accepts just 24.58% of applicants, making it highly selective. No other Kentucky program comes close to matching this cost-to-earnings ratio.

How do public universities compare to private colleges for computer science value?

Public universities dominate the value rankings, with Northern Kentucky University costing $7,168 net while producing graduates earning $59,071. Eastern Kentucky follows at $9,962 net cost with $49,019 earnings. In contrast, private options like Kentucky Wesleyan charge $36,431 net cost. Public schools also maintain higher graduation rates, with University of Kentucky achieving 69.9% compared to private averages in the 40-50% range.

Does the University of Kentucky justify its higher costs among public options?

University of Kentucky charges $17,218 net cost, significantly more than other public universities, but delivers the highest graduate earnings at $59,350. The 69.9% graduation rate ranks highest among all programs in the state. Students carry $21,453 in average debt, which aligns reasonably with the earning potential. The acceptance rate of 94.89% makes it accessible despite being the state's flagship institution.

What explains the wide variation in graduate earnings across Kentucky programs?

Graduate earnings range from $26,353 at Kentucky State University to $59,350 at University of Kentucky, a difference of $33,000 annually. Northern Kentucky University also achieves strong outcomes at $59,071, suggesting location near Cincinnati's tech market matters. Graduation rates correlate somewhat with earnings, as Kentucky State's 27.1% completion rate aligns with its lower salary outcomes. Regional job markets and university connections to major employers like Humana and UPS likely influence these disparities.

Is debt load a major concern for Kentucky computer science graduates?

Average debt levels remain manageable across most programs, typically ranging from $18,836 at Western Kentucky to $27,750 at Sullivan University. Northern Kentucky University graduates carry $22,925 in debt while earning $59,071, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio. University of Kentucky students graduate with $21,453 in debt against $59,350 earnings. These figures suggest Kentucky programs generally avoid excessive borrowing relative to career prospects.

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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.