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Cheapest Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

CUNY John Jay College offers the most affordable Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services program at just $3,046 net cost, while University of California-Santa Cruz reaches $16,607 despite being a public institution. This $13,561 difference highlights how location and state funding models dramatically impact affordability in specialized computing fields. The Northeast corridor, particularly New York's CUNY system, provides strong value with John Jay and College of Staten Island both under $6,000 annually. These programs serve growing demand from financial services, cybersecurity firms, and tech startups concentrated in major metropolitan areas. Graduation rates span from 32.8% at Staten Island to 74.5% at UC Santa Cruz, suggesting that lower costs don't always correlate with completion challenges. Mid-tier options like Northern Kentucky University at $7,168 and Purdue Northwest at $8,463 offer solid alternatives for students seeking balance between affordability and program structure.
46
Programs
$3,046 – $37,899
Net Price Range
$58,829
Avg. Program Earnings
59.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

46 Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,046 $7,470 55.5% 50.7%
2 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
3 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
4 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
5 $9,173 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
6 $10,898 $12,559 68.2% 88.1%
7 $11,408 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
8 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
9 $13,302 $15,820 65.1% 85.3%
10 $13,461 $15,650 65.0%
11 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
12 $13,884 $6,438 54.4% 34.2%
13 $15,001 $8,689 44.1% 94.9%
14 $15,960 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
15 $16,607 $14,560 74.5% 46.9%
16 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
17 $17,838 $29,600 48.8%
18 $18,305 $14,436 33.3%
19 $19,086 $9,900
20 $19,164 $14,710 58.4% 89.5%
21 $19,335 $8,999 38.1% 86.5%
22 $20,230 $42,676 71.3% 76.3%
23 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
24 $21,318 $30,446 31.4% 64.7%
25 $21,385 $48,311 57.7% 80.6%
26 $22,100 $32,150 47.0% 95.5%
27 $23,027 $36,756 65.7% 73.6%
28 $23,261 $19,112 76.4% 87.0%
29 $23,295 $33,100 60.6% 68.4%
30 $23,461 $37,504 63.9% 99.5%
31 $23,650 $21,450 53.5% 98.1%
32 $23,901 $41,642 55.4% 92.7%
33 $24,334 $25,590 51.4% 65.8%
34 $24,678 $27,318 46.7% 64.3%
35 $27,243 $43,300 52.2% 95.4%
36 $27,310 $38,480 33.5% 70.2%
37 $27,823 $62,693 96.8% 12.9%
38 $28,248 $44,886 54.8% 62.6%
39 $28,617 $49,100 76.5% 82.4%
40 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
41 $31,671 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
42 $33,549 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
43 $35,009 $67,420 82.8% 36.1%
44 $35,035 $60,438 88.5% 12.5%
45 $35,129 $55,450 67.1% 69.3%
46 $37,899 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY schools so affordable for computer science programs?

New York's CUNY system leverages state subsidies and urban efficiency to keep costs low, with John Jay at $3,046 and Staten Island at $5,115 net cost. These schools benefit from shared resources across the 25-campus system and reduced overhead in densely populated areas. The $7,470 in-state tuition at John Jay represents one of the lowest rates nationally for accredited computer programs. Students gain access to internships and job opportunities in Manhattan's financial and tech sectors while paying fraction of private school costs.

How do graduation rates compare across the most affordable programs?

Graduation rates vary significantly among budget-friendly options, from College of Staten Island's 32.8% to University of Washington-Bothell's 68.2%. Schools charging under $10,000 show mixed completion patterns, with Farmingdale State achieving 57.1% despite its $9,173 cost. Northern Kentucky University maintains 48.3% graduation rates at $7,168, suggesting that institutional support matters more than price point. Higher-cost options like UC Santa Cruz reach 74.5% completion, but several affordable schools exceed 50% graduation rates.

Where can students find the best value for earnings potential?

Indiana University-Indianapolis offers strong return on investment with $53,775 median earnings at $11,408 net cost, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio. Arizona State's Campus Immersion program provides $49,644 earnings potential for $13,670 annual cost. SUNY Canton delivers $46,478 median salary at just $15,001 net price, though graduation rates sit at 44.1%. Purdue Northwest shows lower immediate earnings at $38,289 but costs only $8,463, allowing faster debt payoff and career flexibility.

Does acceptance rate indicate program competitiveness in this field?

Acceptance rates range from Brigham Young University-Hawaii's selective 34.21% to SUNY Canton's open 94.91%, reflecting different institutional missions rather than program quality. John Jay accepts 50.66% of applicants despite offering the lowest net cost, suggesting moderate selectivity. UC Santa Cruz maintains 46.92% acceptance while charging premium prices, indicating competitive admission standards. Most affordable programs accept 70-90% of applicants, making them accessible options for students with varying academic backgrounds.

What regional advantages do these affordable programs offer?

East Coast schools dominate the most affordable options, with seven of the top ten located from New York to New Hampshire, connecting students to major tech and financial centers. CUNY campuses provide direct access to New York's fintech and startup ecosystem, while University of Washington-Bothell serves the Pacific Northwest's gaming and cloud computing industries. Midwest options like Northern Kentucky and Purdue Northwest offer lower living costs alongside affordable tuition, creating additional savings. These regional clusters help students build professional networks in specific industry concentrations.

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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.