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Best Value Computer Science Colleges in Massachusetts

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

Computer Science students in Massachusetts face a striking paradox: Williams College delivers the lowest net cost at $14,852 while Harvard commands the highest median earnings at $128,737. The state's 20 programs span from ultra-selective MIT with its 3.96% acceptance rate to accessible options like Fitchburg State accepting 86% of applicants. Massachusetts anchors the nation's biotech corridor, where companies like Biogen, Moderna, and countless startups create steady demand for software engineers and data scientists. Public universities like UMass-Lowell offer strong value propositions with $18,627 net costs leading to $71,575 median earnings. The earnings gap between top-tier private schools and state universities reflects the varied career paths available, from Silicon Valley tech giants recruiting Harvard and MIT graduates to regional healthcare companies hiring from the state university system. The MassGrant Plus program helps bridge affordability gaps for in-state students, making even expensive private colleges more accessible than their sticker prices suggest.
33
Programs
$14,852 – $43,273
Net Price Range
$83,997
Avg. Program Earnings
74.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

33 Computer Science Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $16,816 $128,737 $59,076 97.3% 3.2%
2 $14,852 $96,183 $64,860 96.6% 8.5%
3 $19,813 $127,993 $60,156 96.1% 4.0%
4 $15,432 $63,005 $11,046 52.7% 86.1%
5 $18,627 $71,575 $16,570 70.1% 86.0%
6 $18,561 $64,493 $11,882 54.9% 81.5%
7 $17,970 $60,623 $11,389 54.6% 87.7%
8 $23,691 $78,232 $17,357 83.2% 63.5%
9 $26,996 $84,994 $65,168 90.0% 14.4%
10 $35,435 $97,959 $67,844 93.3% 9.7%
11 $26,181 $71,957 $61,568 89.7% 22.9%
12 $27,711 $74,576 $55,160 77.1% 50.3%
13 $33,885 $80,309 $64,946 86.1% 39.4%
14 $30,934 $71,957 $62,080 75.7% 79.5%
15 $34,170 $76,041 $41,010 68.6% 92.3%
16 $43,273 $95,207 $59,070 88.4% 57.5%
17 $39,866 $84,100 $67,680 91.0% 16.7%
18 $18,282 $15,496 51.1% 80.8%
19 $36,684 $66,594 54.2% 95.5%
20 $29,969 $54,500 80.8% 73.4%
21 $30,031 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
22 $31,170 $46,430 63.9% 88.0%
23 $18,441 $11,978 55.0% 92.7%
24 $21,436 $42,061 64.7% 90.9%
25 $29,562 $64,142 85.0% 39.8%
26 $37,899 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%
27 $18,246 $67,280 93.4% 7.3%
28 $36,868 $60,850 89.6% 36.4%
29 $25,810 $56,630 57.2% 68.9%
30 $24,817 $28,100 67.6% 91.8%
31 $39,324 $39,212 75.4% 73.3%
32 $17,733 $28,610 35.3% 61.9%
33 $28,853 $49,414 74.6% 82.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Williams College such an strong value for Computer Science despite being a liberal arts college?

Williams College offers the lowest net cost among all Massachusetts programs at just $14,852, while graduates earn a median $96,183 annually. The college maintains a 96.6% graduation rate and accepts only 8.5% of applicants, creating a highly selective environment. Liberal arts colleges often provide smaller class sizes and closer faculty mentorship, which can be particularly valuable in developing both technical skills and critical thinking abilities that employers seek.

How do public university Computer Science programs compare to private colleges in Massachusetts?

Public universities like UMass-Lowell deliver strong returns with net costs around $18,627 and median earnings of $71,575. Fitchburg State offers the most affordable option at $15,432 net cost, though earnings average $63,005. Private colleges generally command higher earnings, with Harvard at $128,737 and MIT at $127,993, but their net costs range from $14,852 to $35,435 depending on financial aid packages.

Does the 3.24% acceptance rate at Harvard justify the Computer Science program investment?

Harvard's Computer Science graduates earn the highest median salary at $128,737 annually, nearly double what graduates from state universities typically earn. The program maintains a 97.3% graduation rate and benefits from extensive alumni networks in major tech companies. However, the $16,816 net cost reflects substantial financial aid, making it more affordable than many assume for families earning under $150,000 annually.

Where do most Massachusetts Computer Science graduates find employment after college?

Massachusetts hosts over 9,000 technology companies concentrated around Boston's biotech corridor and Route 128 technology belt. Major employers include Biogen, Moderna, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, all maintaining significant operations in the state. The proximity to venture capital firms and startup incubators creates abundant internship and entry-level opportunities. Many graduates also pursue positions with financial services firms like Fidelity and State Street, which heavily recruit local Computer Science talent.

Is student debt a significant concern for Computer Science majors at Massachusetts colleges?

Debt levels vary considerably, with MIT graduates carrying just $11,077 in median debt while earning $127,993 annually. Westfield State students face higher debt loads at $27,000 despite lower earnings of $64,493. Private colleges often provide generous financial aid packages that can result in lower debt than state universities for qualifying families. The strong earning potential in Computer Science generally makes debt loads manageable across most programs in the state.

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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.