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Cheapest Computer and Information Sciences Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Swarthmore College creates the most striking outlier in Pennsylvania's Computer and Information Sciences programs, with graduates earning $94,408 annually while maintaining a net cost of just $18,686 for qualifying students. This elite liberal arts college sits alongside public options like Cheyney University at $9,837, creating a massive cost spectrum that spans over $11,000 in net prices. Pennsylvania's tech sector, anchored by companies like Comcast and growing pharmaceutical technology divisions, provides strong career pathways for computer science graduates across salary ranges from $36,674 to $94,408. The state's 20 programs include surprising performers like East Stroudsburg University, where graduates earn $56,641 despite the school's 93.63% acceptance rate. Public universities dominate the most affordable tier, with 8 of the 10 cheapest options being state schools that benefit from in-state tuition rates and PA State Grant eligibility.
50
Programs
$9,837 – $30,465
Net Price Range
$54,076
Avg. Program Earnings
59.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,837 $10,904 16.2%
2 $12,905 $15,060 5.3%
3 $12,912 $12,512 52.1% 80.6%
4 $13,766 $23,900 43.4% 84.3%
5 $15,089 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
6 $16,521 $19,964 24.4% 93.2%
7 $16,630 $14,620 43.4% 93.6%
8 $17,034 $14,630 39.6% 97.6%
9 $17,216 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
10 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
11 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
12 $19,524 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
13 $20,231 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
14 $20,748 $26,156 55.6% 86.0%
15 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
16 $21,043 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
17 $21,205 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
18 $21,360 $13,920
19 $21,409 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
20 $21,461 $17,850 41.2% 80.7%
21 $21,664 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
22 $21,900 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
23 $21,972 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
24 $22,673 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
25 $23,206 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
26 $23,281 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
27 $23,331 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
28 $23,553 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
29 $24,051 $35,815 50.5% 78.5%
30 $24,791 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
31 $24,829 $38,370 69.2% 88.7%
32 $25,157 $29,460 60.5% 75.6%
33 $25,210 $68,300 89.4% 14.2%
34 $25,544 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
35 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
36 $26,084 $17,940 50.4%
37 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
38 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
39 $27,141 $38,310 58.5% 58.4%
40 $27,263 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
41 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
42 $27,700 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
43 $28,132 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
44 $28,714 $37,300 46.1% 85.5%
45 $29,219 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
46 $29,577 $32,625 65.2% 81.0%
47 $29,944 $39,410 56.1% 98.2%
48 $30,074 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
49 $30,314 $60,240 80.2% 65.5%
50 $30,465 $44,800 71.0% 77.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Swarthmore College worth considering despite higher costs?

Swarthmore graduates earn $94,408 annually, nearly $40,000 more than the next highest program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. The college maintains a 94.10% graduation rate, ensuring most students complete their degrees. Despite a sticker price of $62,412, qualified students pay an average net cost of $18,686, making it competitive with many state schools.

How do Pennsylvania's public universities compare for computer science value?

East Stroudsburg University delivers strong value with graduates earning $56,641 while charging just $15,089 net cost. Slippery Rock University graduates earn $52,107 with a strong 65.90% graduation rate at $19,524 net cost. Indiana University of Pennsylvania combines solid earnings of $57,657 with a 52.40% graduation rate for $17,216 annually.

Is Cheyney University a viable option at $9,837?

Cheyney University offers the lowest net cost in Pennsylvania but shows a concerning 16.20% graduation rate. The school lacks available earnings data, making career outcomes difficult to assess. Students should carefully weigh the cost savings against completion rates when considering this historically black university option.

Does the PA State Grant significantly impact costs for residents?

Pennsylvania residents see substantial savings through in-state tuition and state grants. East Stroudsburg charges residents $11,036 compared to a $15,089 net cost, while Slippery Rock's in-state rate of $10,507 creates savings of $9,000 annually. The gap between in-state and net costs averages $3,000 to $4,000 across public universities.

Where do computer science graduates find employment in Pennsylvania?

Major employers include healthcare technology roles at UPMC, software development at Comcast, and pharmaceutical technology positions throughout the state. The finance sector in Philadelphia offers additional opportunities for graduates with strong programming skills. Earnings data shows graduates can expect starting salaries ranging from $36,674 to over $94,000 depending on the program and employer.

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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.