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Best Value Computer and Information Sciences Colleges in Ohio

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

Oberlin College stands alone at the top of Ohio's computer science earnings ladder, with graduates pulling in $76,460 annually despite the program's $39,184 net cost. The state's other 14 programs create a massive affordability spectrum, from Youngstown State's $11,877 net price down to Miami University-Hamilton's $13,346 for similar career outcomes. Public universities dominate the value equation here, with nine of the top 10 most affordable options coming from state institutions. Ohio's tech sector growth, anchored by companies like Honda's technology divisions and Cleveland Clinic's health informatics teams, creates steady demand for computer science graduates. The earnings gap tells an interesting story too, ranging from $38,769 at Youngstown State to Ohio State's strong $68,331 median. Most programs cluster in the $59,000-$64,000 range, suggesting consistent regional salary standards. Graduation rates vary dramatically, from Miami-Hamilton's 21.6% to Ohio State's impressive 87.7%, making program completion a critical factor in value calculations.
38
Programs
$4,503 – $39,184
Net Price Range
$57,593
Avg. Program Earnings
50.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

38 Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,346 $59,576 $7,278 21.6%
2 $13,824 $59,576 $7,278 24.5%
3 $15,216 $60,096 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
4 $18,292 $68,331 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
5 $16,065 $59,901 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
6 $17,460 $64,493 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
7 $11,877 $38,769 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
8 $20,918 $64,493 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
9 $23,156 $59,011 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
10 $22,605 $54,664 $9,577 30.3%
11 $27,662 $59,576 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
12 $19,614 $41,342 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
13 $20,413 $40,017 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
14 $39,184 $76,460 $64,646 79.5% 34.9%
15 $16,135 $36,650 54.7% 54.4%
16 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
17 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
18 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
19 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
20 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
21 $22,140 $34,899 68.9% 83.7%
22 $29,541 $20,560 32.2%
23 $23,987 $32,630 77.1% 66.7%
24 $23,758 $32,400 43.0% 82.8%
25 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
26 $19,476 $34,370 47.9% 52.4%
27 $20,204 $31,440 52.7% 86.4%
28 $27,654 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
29 $21,812 $35,524 63.6% 85.3%
30 $22,539 $35,400 64.9% 75.8%
31 $18,372 $38,974 58.1% 82.9%
32 $20,088 $26,265 59.1% 93.1%
33 $21,662 $33,628 49.8% 71.4%
34 $23,731 $39,646 62.6% 86.0%
35 $23,722 $38,778 36.7% 62.9%
36 $31,236 $47,600 81.5% 74.1%
37 $21,607 $23,700 35.7%
38 $17,430 $36,298 49.5% 96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge cost difference between Ohio's most and least expensive computer science programs?

Oberlin College's $39,184 net cost reflects its private liberal arts model, while Youngstown State's $11,877 represents typical public university efficiency. The $27,307 gap shows how institutional type drives pricing more than program quality. Most Ohio public universities fall between $13,000-$20,000 net cost, making private options like Oberlin outliers rather than the norm.

How do graduation rates impact the real value of these computer science programs?

Graduation rates range from Miami-Hamilton's concerning 21.6% to Ohio State's excellent 87.7%, directly affecting program value. Students at Wright State have a 45.9% completion rate but pay only $15,216 net cost, while Miami-Oxford charges $27,662 with an 81.8% rate. The completion rate often matters more than initial cost when calculating true program value.

Is Ohio State worth the higher cost compared to other public options?

Ohio State's $18,292 net cost produces $68,331 median earnings, creating strong return on investment. Compare this to Wright State's $15,216 cost yielding $60,096 in earnings, and the $3,076 price difference generates $8,235 more annually. Ohio State also boasts an 87.7% graduation rate versus Wright State's 45.9%, making completion much more likely.

Where do Ohio computer science graduates typically find employment?

Ohio's healthcare technology sector, led by Cleveland Clinic's informatics divisions, hires many graduates for electronic health records and data analysis roles. Honda's technology centers in the state create automotive software and systems engineering positions. The state's manufacturing base increasingly needs computer science skills for automation and data management. Financial services companies in Columbus and Cincinnati also recruit heavily from Ohio programs.

Does student debt significantly impact the value proposition of Ohio's programs?

Student debt levels range from Ohio University's manageable $20,750 to Cleveland State's concerning $31,125, affecting long-term financial outcomes. Ohio State graduates carry $21,076 in debt while earning $68,331, creating a strong debt-to-income ratio. Bowling Green's $31,000 debt burden paired with $64,493 earnings still maintains reasonable repayment prospects for most graduates.

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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.