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Best Value Computer and Information Sciences Colleges in Texas

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

Rice University graduates with Computer and Information Sciences degrees earn $129,481 annually, more than four times what graduates from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley typically make at $28,019. This massive earnings gap of over $100,000 reflects the stark differences in career trajectories across Texas computer science programs. The state's 15 featured programs range from incredibly affordable options like Texas A&M University-Central Texas at just $1,113 net cost to Rice's premium education at $12,640. Texas hosts major technology employers including Dell Technologies in Round Rock, AT&T in Dallas, and IBM's Austin operations, creating strong demand for computer science talent. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with eight schools offering net costs under $12,000. The University of Houston stands out among public options, combining a reasonable $13,853 net cost with solid $61,516 graduate earnings and a strong 64.90% graduation rate. Students benefit from Texas Tomorrow Fund savings plans and TEXAS Grant aid that help reduce college costs significantly.
50
Programs
$1,113 – $41,942
Net Price Range
$57,858
Avg. Program Earnings
48.9%
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 $1,113 $36,848 $6,627 95.7%
2 $1,291 $34,704 $4,920 27.6%
3 $12,640 $129,481 $58,128 95.7% 8.7%
4 $8,624 $63,005 $7,499 26.5% 82.1%
5 $9,144 $56,415 $10,904 43.0% 94.7%
6 $10,726 $60,623 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
7 $11,234 $60,264 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
8 $11,268 $57,318 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
9 $10,948 $52,107 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
10 $14,041 $63,005 $11,299 43.2% 76.1%
11 $13,853 $61,516 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
12 $11,882 $52,107 $10,310 41.3% 92.4%
13 $14,352 $62,260 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
14 $6,500 $28,019 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
15 $11,429 $48,823 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
16 $11,056 $45,696 $7,746 50.9% 69.4%
17 $19,678 $79,558 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
18 $14,623 $57,318 $7,708 33.8% 88.4%
19 $12,915 $50,439 $8,319 40.7% 79.1%
20 $17,435 $67,324 $14,564 70.8% 84.7%
21 $13,931 $52,107 $9,920 46.8% 93.9%
22 $20,924 $77,024 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
23 $20,071 $73,562 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
24 $15,137 $54,748 $9,748 33.7% 88.0%
25 $16,438 $58,673 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
26 $16,025 $56,415 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
27 $17,517 $61,144 $13,920 50.0%
28 $15,152 $52,420 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
29 $23,650 $77,213 $51,352 81.9% 30.5%
30 $18,264 $45,207 $14,842 45.5%
31 $20,498 $44,170 $35,660 51.8% 94.2%
32 $20,261 $41,789 $7,878 51.2% 87.1%
33 $33,531 $68,666 $57,220 85.6% 56.1%
34 $19,734 $37,208 $9,173 19.9% 96.8%
35 $25,491 $17,457 71.8%
36 $25,255 $33,322 31.1% 62.3%
37 $19,710 $38,100 49.8% 84.5%
38 $12,637 $7,930 31.2% 91.5%
39 $20,540 $23,186 19.2% 69.7%
40 $12,714 $14,520 99.2%
41 $30,092 $38,140 60.4% 91.4%
42 $41,942 $54,844 80.2% 45.9%
43 $8,376 $9,590 43.8% 93.6%
44 $5,458 $3,148 26.8%
45 $19,847 $14,703 36.1% 51.9%
46 $10,650 $10,008 10.7%
47 $10,409 $11,720 15.1%
48 $25,910 $27,298 48.7% 81.6%
49 $19,988 $31,372 38.6% 56.5%
50 $21,998 $17,692 45.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Rice University worth its higher cost for computer science students?

Rice graduates earn $129,481 annually, the highest among all Texas computer science programs. The university maintains a highly selective 8.68% acceptance rate and achieves an outstanding 95.70% graduation rate. Students graduate with just $12,373 in debt despite the premium education, making it an excellent long-term investment for those who gain admission.

How do public university costs compare for computer science programs in Texas?

Public university net costs range from $1,113 at Texas A&M-Central Texas to $14,352 at University of North Texas. Most public options cost between $10,000-$14,000 annually after aid. In-state tuition rates provide additional savings, with schools like UT San Antonio charging just $8,991 for residents while maintaining strong $60,264 graduate earnings.

Is University of Houston a good middle-ground option for computer science?

University of Houston offers excellent value with $61,516 graduate earnings and a $13,853 net cost. The school maintains a solid 64.90% graduation rate, well above many competitors. Students graduate with $16,875 in debt, which is manageable given the strong earning potential in Houston's technology sector.

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

More selective schools generally show higher graduate earnings and completion rates. Rice's 8.68% acceptance rate corresponds with top earnings, while University of Houston's 66.24% acceptance rate still produces strong outcomes. However, schools like UT El Paso accept 99.92% of applicants yet maintain respectable $60,623 graduate earnings.

Where can students find the most affordable computer science education in Texas?

Texas A&M-Central Texas offers the lowest net cost at $1,113 annually with graduates earning $36,848. South Texas College provides another budget option at $1,291 net cost, though with lower $34,704 earnings. UT Rio Grande Valley combines affordability at $6,500 net cost but shows the lowest graduate earnings at $28,019.

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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.