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Best Value Computer Systems Analysis Colleges

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

Marshall University delivers the nation's most affordable Computer Systems Analysis education at just $8,327 net cost, though graduates earn $41,565 annually compared to University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates who earn $73,446 with a $17,139 net cost. This $32,000 earnings gap highlights how program selection impacts long-term financial outcomes in a field where systems analysts bridge business needs with technology solutions. The Rasmussen University network maintains consistent $61,516 graduate earnings across seven campuses despite varying costs from $18,227 to $19,113. Public universities generally offer stronger value propositions, with University of Houston combining a reasonable $13,853 net cost with $58,152 graduate earnings. As cloud computing and data analytics reshape corporate infrastructure nationwide, systems analysts command growing salaries in metropolitan areas where these programs cluster. The 84.8% graduation rate at Minnesota-Twin Cities stands out significantly above the 48.7% rate at Marshall, suggesting program rigor varies considerably even within this specialized field.
50
Programs
$6,392 – $47,919
Net Price Range
$57,291
Avg. Program Earnings
55.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Computer Systems Analysis Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,327 $41,565 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
2 $14,582 $64,990 $12,240 53.8% 76.4%
3 $17,139 $73,446 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
4 $13,571 $57,544 $9,552 19.5%
5 $13,853 $58,152 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
6 $13,670 $52,107 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
7 $14,714 $53,358 $8,606 60.9% 84.5%
8 $18,227 $61,516 $12,715 57.9%
9 $18,289 $61,516 $15,340 50.0%
10 $18,470 $61,516 $13,546 40.0%
11 $18,847 $61,516 $11,982 62.5%
12 $19,071 $61,516 $10,899 53.2%
13 $19,113 $61,516 $15,117 51.0%
14 $19,614 $53,358 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
15 $18,889 $45,383 $8,008 57.6% 86.2%
16 $22,341 $52,242 $17,488 100.0% 33.3%
17 $23,553 $52,107 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
18 $33,531 $71,351 $57,220 85.6% 56.1%
19 $30,243 $52,242 $17,488 36.4% 50.0%
20 $47,919 $82,440 $33,344 68.9% 53.4%
21 $30,878 $52,242 $17,488 36.9% 43.0%
22 $33,294 $52,242 $17,488 42.9% 40.1%
23 $34,530 $52,242 $17,488 33.3% 26.7%
24 $34,439 $38,871 $24,136 44.2% 96.5%
25 $20,865 $11,400 48.9% 49.8%
26 $20,860 $18,890 78.6% 59.8%
27 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
28 $9,957 $8,064 36.1% 64.6%
29 $12,997 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
30 $14,785 $8,250 64.3% 82.4%
31 $6,392 $5,966 36.7%
32 $12,684 $5,274 47.0% 54.4%
33 $10,550 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
34 $10,898 $12,559 68.2% 88.1%
35 $27,023 $25,659 62.7% 98.0%
36 $14,922 $12,652 56.9% 80.0%
37 $12,171 $8,508 48.7% 94.4%
38 $36,037 $59,340 78.0% 77.7%
39 $8,916 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
40 $18,321 $40,190 47.3% 77.3%
41 $25,383 $35,960 65.3% 87.7%
42 $22,750 $35,598 62.8% 73.9%
43 $13,046 $9,578 52.6%
44 $25,785 $14,220 30.2%
45 $24,783 $38,670 77.4% 74.2%
46 $19,988 $23,324 49.5% 98.9%
47 $14,846 $8,675 44.5% 93.8%
48 $15,336 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
49 $18,516 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
50 $17,502 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $32,000 earnings difference between the lowest and highest-paying programs?

Marshall University graduates earn $41,565 while University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn $73,446, reflecting regional job markets and program depth. Minnesota-Twin Cities maintains an 84.8% graduation rate compared to Marshall's 48.7%, indicating more rigorous coursework that better prepares students. The Minneapolis tech sector offers higher-paying positions at companies like 3M and Target, while West Virginia's smaller market limits salary growth. Geographic location often matters more than program cost for long-term earnings in systems analysis roles.

How do Rasmussen University's seven campuses maintain identical graduate earnings?

All Rasmussen campuses report exactly $61,516 in graduate earnings despite serving different regional markets from Florida to North Dakota. This consistency suggests a standardized curriculum and career placement strategy across locations. Net costs vary from $18,227 in North Dakota to $19,113 in Florida, while graduation rates range from 40% in Illinois to 62.5% in Wisconsin. The uniform earnings figure likely reflects similar job placement partnerships and employer networks nationwide.

Is University of Houston's $13,853 cost justified by its graduate outcomes?

Houston graduates earn $58,152 annually at a $13,853 net cost, creating strong value compared to higher-priced alternatives. The 64.9% graduation rate exceeds many competitors, while the $24,154 average debt load remains manageable given salary potential. Houston's energy sector and growing tech industry provide abundant systems analyst opportunities at companies like ExxonMobil and HP. The program accepts 66.24% of applicants, maintaining selectivity while offering reasonable accessibility.

Does University of Phoenix-Arizona offer competitive value despite being for-profit?

Phoenix charges $13,571 net cost and produces graduates earning $57,544, creating reasonable value metrics. However, the 19.5% graduation rate raises concerns about program completion and student success. The online format may appeal to working professionals but lacks the campus resources of traditional universities. Compared to Arizona State University's $13,670 cost and 67.8% graduation rate, Phoenix struggles to justify its for-profit model for most students.

Where do public universities provide the strongest value in this field?

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities leads with $73,446 graduate earnings at $17,139 net cost, followed by University of Houston's $58,152 earnings at $13,853 cost. Saginaw Valley State offers solid middle-ground value with $64,990 earnings at $14,582 net cost and a 53.8% graduation rate. Marshall University provides the lowest cost option at $8,327, though earnings lag at $41,565. Public institutions consistently outperform private competitors in cost-adjusted outcomes for systems analysis programs.

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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.