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Best Value Computer and Information Sciences Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Pennsylvania computer science programs reveal a striking earnings gap that spans nearly $100,000 between top and bottom performers. University of Pennsylvania graduates command $138,932 annually while Harrisburg University graduates start at $38,289, despite both programs preparing students for the same field. The state's tech market offers compelling opportunities, with major employers like Comcast and pharmaceutical giants driving demand for skilled programmers and data analysts. Private institutions dominate the highest earnings brackets, with Swarthmore College and Carnegie Mellon University both producing graduates who earn $94,408 annually. However, affordability tells a different story. Several public options deliver strong value propositions, particularly West Chester University where graduates earn $70,863 after paying just $10,687 in annual tuition. The PA State Grant program helps level the playing field for in-state students, making quality computer science education accessible across varied economic backgrounds.
50
Programs
$12,905 – $44,876
Net Price Range
$60,155
Avg. Program Earnings
65.9%
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 $18,686 $94,408 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
2 $12,905 $63,005 $15,060 5.3%
3 $31,229 $138,932 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
4 $15,089 $56,641 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
5 $12,912 $44,384 $12,512 52.1% 80.6%
6 $17,216 $57,657 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
7 $22,673 $70,863 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
8 $31,671 $94,408 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
9 $21,360 $61,144 $13,920
10 $13,766 $38,289 $23,900 43.4% 84.3%
11 $19,524 $52,107 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
12 $21,409 $54,713 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
13 $21,205 $52,941 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
14 $27,700 $68,499 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
15 $20,231 $49,484 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
16 $21,664 $50,856 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
17 $29,219 $67,557 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
18 $23,331 $52,107 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
19 $33,549 $71,351 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
20 $25,866 $52,941 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
21 $40,429 $81,498 $64,772 86.2% 32.6%
22 $25,544 $51,273 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
23 $21,972 $43,426 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
24 $19,173 $36,674 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
25 $27,263 $52,107 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
26 $27,663 $52,107 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
27 $21,461 $37,424 $17,850 41.2% 80.7%
28 $30,470 $52,107 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
29 $34,978 $59,350 $47,146 75.5% 87.5%
30 $44,876 $69,338 $64,701 92.4% 23.4%
31 $30,465 $37,208 $44,800 71.0% 77.2%
32 $30,528 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
33 $35,487 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%
34 $25,157 $29,460 60.5% 75.6%
35 $23,553 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
36 $29,944 $39,410 56.1% 98.2%
37 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
38 $24,051 $35,815 50.5% 78.5%
39 $29,577 $32,625 65.2% 81.0%
40 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
41 $26,084 $17,940 50.4%
42 $21,900 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
43 $24,829 $38,370 69.2% 88.7%
44 $27,141 $38,310 58.5% 58.4%
45 $25,210 $68,300 89.4% 14.2%
46 $23,206 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
47 $23,281 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
48 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
49 $32,496 $62,574 88.1% 33.6%
50 $28,132 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What accounts for the massive earnings difference between Pennsylvania computer science programs?

The $100,643 gap between highest and lowest graduate earnings reflects significant differences in program focus and employer connections. University of Pennsylvania leads at $138,932 annually, likely due to its finance and consulting pipeline, while Harrisburg University graduates start at $38,289. Carnegie Mellon and Swarthmore both produce $94,408 earners, suggesting that elite private institutions maintain stronger industry networks. Regional factors also matter, as Philadelphia-area schools often connect students to higher-paying financial services roles.

How do public universities compare for computer science value in Pennsylvania?

West Chester University stands out among public options, combining $10,687 annual tuition with $70,863 graduate earnings for strong return on investment. East Stroudsburg offers the lowest net cost at $15,089 but produces graduates earning $56,641. Indiana University of Pennsylvania sits in the middle with $17,216 net cost and $57,657 earnings. Most public programs maintain graduation rates between 43% and 70%, with debt levels typically ranging from $21,500 to $28,000.

Is the high cost of private computer science programs worth the investment?

Private programs show mixed results despite higher sticker prices. University of Pennsylvania justifies its $66,104 tuition with $138,932 graduate earnings and 96.8% graduation rates. However, Peirce College charges $15,060 but graduates earn only $63,005 with a concerning 5.3% graduation rate. Carnegie Mellon at $63,829 produces strong earners but accepts only 11.3% of applicants, making admission extremely competitive.

What role does location play in Pennsylvania computer science career outcomes?

Philadelphia-area schools consistently show higher graduate earnings, reflecting the city's concentration of financial services, healthcare tech, and major corporations like Comcast. University of Pennsylvania, Peirce College, and La Salle University all benefit from this urban job market. Pittsburgh's Carnegie Mellon leverages the city's growing tech scene, while smaller towns like Lincoln University produce graduates earning $44,384, suggesting geographic proximity to major employers matters significantly.

Does acceptance rate correlate with computer science program quality in Pennsylvania?

Highly selective programs generally produce higher-earning graduates, but exceptions exist. Carnegie Mellon accepts 11.3% of applicants and produces $94,408 earners, while University of Pennsylvania's 6.5% acceptance rate yields $138,932 graduates. However, moderately selective West Chester (87.85% acceptance) still generates $70,863 earners, proving that selectivity alone doesn't determine career outcomes. The most accessible programs like Kutztown (96.14% acceptance) typically produce more modest earnings around $52,941.

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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.