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Cheapest Computer and Information Sciences Colleges

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

Computer science affordability varies dramatically across the country, with Texas A&M University-Central Texas offering the lowest net price at just $1,113 annually while most programs cluster between $3,000-$5,000. The earnings potential ranges from $31,133 to $79,037, creating stark differences in return on investment. Public institutions dominate the affordable options, particularly community colleges and state universities serving varied student populations. The technology sector's rapid expansion across Texas, California, and Florida has created strong demand for computer science graduates, with major employers like Dell, Apple, and IBM maintaining significant operations in these regions. University of Florida-Online stands out with the highest graduate earnings at $79,037 despite a moderate $4,702 net cost, while institutions like Berea College demonstrate that private education can compete on affordability when endowments support student aid.
50
Programs
$1,113 – $8,001
Net Price Range
$47,637
Avg. Program Earnings
41.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $1,113 $6,627 95.7%
2 $1,291 $4,920 27.6%
3 $2,065 $2,684 11.5%
4 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
5 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
6 $3,119 $3,227 42.0%
7 $3,307 $4,250 19.7%
8 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
9 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
10 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
11 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
12 $4,702 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
13 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
14 $4,783 $7,332 19.4% 81.8%
15 $5,051 $6,723 55.0%
16 $5,202 $2,764 42.5%
17 $5,216 $6,400 32.6%
18 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
19 $5,458 $3,148 26.8%
20 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
21 $5,732 $8,054 56.2%
22 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
23 $5,929 $2,838 44.7%
24 $5,970 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
25 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
26 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
27 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
28 $6,276 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
29 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
30 $6,352 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
31 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
32 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
33 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
34 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
35 $6,935 $2,336 31.4%
36 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
37 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
38 $7,201 $3,106 41.2%
39 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
40 $7,402 $4,058 30.4%
41 $7,455 $5,354 50.6% 54.0%
42 $7,557 $7,922 26.1%
43 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
44 $7,600 $5,109 45.8%
45 $7,607 $5,542 38.7% 45.7%
46 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
47 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
48 $7,755 $4,197 34.0%
49 $7,912 $7,868 34.9%
50 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Texas A&M University-Central Texas so affordable for computer science?

Texas A&M-Central Texas offers the lowest net price at $1,113 per year with a 95.71% acceptance rate, making it accessible to most applicants. The university serves the military community around Fort Hood, which helps keep costs down through state funding support. Graduates earn an average of $36,848, providing solid entry-level opportunities in the growing Texas tech corridor.

How do CUNY schools compare for affordable computer science education?

Three CUNY campuses appear in the top 15 most affordable programs, with net prices ranging from $2,446 to $4,783. Hunter College offers the best graduation rate at 61% among the CUNY options, while Brooklyn College graduates earn $56,776 annually. These schools provide access to New York's massive tech job market at a fraction of private university costs.

Is University of Florida-Online worth the higher cost among affordable options?

At $4,702 net cost, Florida-Online commands a premium among budget programs but delivers the highest graduate earnings at $79,037. The 77.7% graduation rate significantly exceeds most affordable competitors, suggesting better student support systems. The strong return on investment makes the slightly higher cost worthwhile for students who can complete the program.

Does Berea College provide value despite being the only private school on the list?

Berea College charges a $4,483 net price while maintaining a $49,326 sticker price, demonstrating strong financial aid for qualifying students. The 62% graduation rate and $50,856 average earnings place it among the strongest performers. However, the 24.58% acceptance rate makes admission highly competitive compared to public alternatives.

Where do community colleges fit in affordable computer science education?

South Texas College and Seminole State College offer sub-$3,200 net costs with respectable outcomes for associate degree programs. Seminole State graduates earn $52,663 despite the lower-cost program, suggesting strong regional employer relationships. These schools serve as affordable stepping stones for students planning to transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce directly.

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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.