Skip to main content

Best Value Computer Science Colleges in Indiana

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

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn $111,992 annually, nearly triple the $33,993 starting salary at Indiana University-Northwest. This dramatic earnings gap reflects the varied paths available within Indiana's Computer Science programs, where net costs range from $5,970 to $40,665. Indiana's tech employment spans pharmaceutical giants like Eli Lilly, which relies heavily on software development for drug discovery platforms, to manufacturing automation at Cummins. Public universities dominate the state's Computer Science offerings, with Purdue University-Main Campus delivering strong returns at $13,945 net cost and $85,981 in graduate earnings. The state's 21st Century Scholars program makes these programs even more accessible for qualifying students. While private institutions like Rose-Hulman command premium prices, their graduates enter Indiana's growing tech sector with significant earning advantages. Public options provide solid pathways into the state's expanding healthcare technology and manufacturing software sectors.
26
Programs
$5,970 – $40,665
Net Price Range
$66,740
Avg. Program Earnings
58.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

26 Computer Science Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,257 $69,338 $8,179 33.4% 85.2%
2 $13,945 $85,981 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
3 $8,364 $50,606 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
4 $5,970 $33,993 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
5 $11,513 $63,749 $9,254 32.5% 80.7%
6 $11,408 $61,020 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
7 $15,342 $70,596 $11,790 81.2% 82.4%
8 $12,621 $55,151 $10,136 52.0% 94.4%
9 $40,665 $111,992 $56,674 81.7% 73.0%
10 $24,546 $66,941 $57,070 80.0% 65.8%
11 $24,327 $64,773 $39,104 76.6% 74.6%
12 $21,583 $46,588 67.0% 94.2%
13 $25,580 $35,600 67.6% 91.9%
14 $6,276 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
15 $19,268 $37,090 44.8% 66.4%
16 $21,906 $49,125 77.1% 61.5%
17 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
18 $22,144 $35,640 49.4% 51.8%
19 $21,318 $30,446 31.4% 64.7%
20 $18,748 $36,136 55.8% 76.1%
21 $21,826 $42,894 63.6% 74.1%
22 $15,725 $37,760 60.5% 93.5%
23 $22,762 $37,350 63.4% 92.9%
24 $20,230 $42,676 71.3% 76.3%
25 $24,516 $51,840 67.9% 73.2%
26 $15,898 $10,758 63.3% 69.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Rose-Hulman worth its $40,665 net cost compared to cheaper Indiana options?

Rose-Hulman graduates earn $111,992 annually, creating a substantial return on investment despite the higher upfront cost. The school maintains an 81.70% graduation rate and 73.02% acceptance rate, indicating both selectivity and student success. This earnings premium of nearly $27,000 over the next highest earner, Purdue, justifies the additional expense for students seeking maximum career earning potential.

How do Purdue's Computer Science outcomes compare to other Indiana public universities?

Purdue graduates earn $85,981 annually with an 83.10% graduation rate, significantly outperforming other state schools. The $13,945 net cost represents excellent value when compared to Indiana University-Bloomington's $15,342 cost and $70,596 earnings. Purdue's 52.70% acceptance rate makes it more selective than most state options, contributing to stronger graduate outcomes.

Is Indiana University-Northwest actually a good value despite the lowest earnings?

IU-Northwest offers the state's lowest net cost at $5,970, making it accessible for budget-conscious students. However, graduates earn just $33,993 annually with a 36.90% graduation rate, indicating potential challenges in program completion and career outcomes. Students considering this option should weigh the affordability against significantly lower earning potential compared to other state universities.

Does the 21st Century Scholars program significantly impact Computer Science accessibility?

The program covers tuition at public universities, essentially eliminating the $8,179 to $11,790 in-state costs for qualifying students. This makes schools like Indiana University-Bloomington and Purdue University-Main Campus nearly free for eligible students, dramatically improving their value propositions. With graduate debt averaging $19,136 to $25,500 at most schools, the scholarship can substantially reduce financial burden while maintaining strong earning potential.

Where do Indiana Computer Science graduates typically find employment within the state?

Major employers include Eli Lilly for pharmaceutical software development, Cummins for manufacturing automation systems, and Indiana University Health for healthcare technology solutions. The state's manufacturing sector increasingly relies on software engineers for automation and data analysis roles. With graduate earnings ranging from $33,993 to $111,992, opportunities span from entry-level positions at regional companies to senior roles at major corporations.

More Computer Science Rankings

Cheapest Computer Science in Indiana Computer Science Under $20,000 in Indiana

Related

All Computer Science Programs Best Colleges in Indiana Best Computer Science in Indiana

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.