Skip to main content

Cheapest Computer Science Colleges

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

California State University-Fullerton graduates earn $67,101 annually from a program that costs just $5,646 net per year, making it the highest-earning option among these affordable Computer Science degrees. This 12-to-1 return ratio stands out in a field where net costs range from $2,446 at CUNY Hunter College to $5,825 at Cal State Bakersfield. The City University of New York system dominates the most affordable tier, claiming seven of the ten cheapest programs with net costs under $5,000. California's tech industry continues driving strong outcomes for state university graduates, while New York's proximity to financial technology firms creates solid career paths for CUNY Computer Science alumni. These public institutions prove that quality programming education doesn't require premium pricing, with graduation rates spanning from 20% at Ohio University-Eastern to 69% at Cal State Fullerton.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $8,787
Net Price Range
$54,660
Avg. Program Earnings
41.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Computer Science Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
2 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
3 $3,046 $7,470 55.5% 50.7%
4 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
5 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
6 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
7 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
8 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
9 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
10 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
11 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
12 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
13 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
14 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
15 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
16 $5,881 $7,352 22.3% 87.7%
17 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
18 $5,970 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
19 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
20 $6,007 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
21 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
22 $6,276 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
23 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
24 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
25 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
26 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
27 $7,075 $4,714
28 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
29 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
30 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
31 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
32 $7,382 $5,542 38.4% 67.8%
33 $7,559 $6,920 31.1%
34 $7,563 $5,612 28.6% 96.9%
35 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
36 $7,607 $5,542 38.7% 45.7%
37 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
38 $8,036 $5,580 35.4% 33.3%
39 $8,130 $7,327 33.2% 88.9%
40 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
41 $8,245 $5,580 43.1% 52.8%
42 $8,257 $8,179 33.4% 85.2%
43 $8,265 $9,058 56.4% 74.4%
44 $8,364 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
45 $8,365 $7,050 35.5% 57.7%
46 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
47 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
48 $8,751 $13,840 27.0% 78.8%
49 $8,783 $5,580 33.0% 33.8%
50 $8,787 $5,580 32.9% 44.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY schools so affordable for Computer Science students?

CUNY institutions offer net costs between $2,446 and $4,734 annually due to substantial state funding and need-based aid. Hunter College provides the lowest net cost at $2,446 while maintaining a 61% graduation rate. Seven CUNY campuses rank among the ten most affordable Computer Science programs nationwide. These schools serve New York's varied student population with in-state tuition under $7,500.

How do California State University graduates perform in the job market?

Cal State Fullerton Computer Science graduates earn $67,101 annually, the highest among these affordable programs. Dominguez Hills graduates average $60,320 while Stanislaus graduates earn $49,918. California's tech sector provides strong employment opportunities for state university alumni. The state's proximity to Silicon Valley and growing tech hubs creates multiple career pathways for Computer Science graduates.

Is there a significant earnings gap between the most and least affordable programs?

Hunter College costs $2,446 net annually and graduates earn $56,415, while Cal State Fullerton costs $5,646 but graduates earn $67,101. The $10,686 earnings difference partially offsets Fullerton's higher cost over time. However, York College graduates earning $41,565 show that low cost doesn't guarantee high returns. Program location and regional job markets significantly impact post-graduation earnings potential.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost among these schools?

Cal State Fullerton achieves a 69% graduation rate at $5,646 net cost, while Ohio University-Eastern manages only 20% at $4,503. CUNY Hunter College balances affordability with a solid 61% graduation rate at the lowest net cost. College of Staten Island shows how institutional factors matter more than price, graduating just 33% of students despite reasonable costs. Academic support and student services often drive completion rates more than tuition levels.

Where do Computer Science students find the best value proposition?

Hunter College offers strong value with $56,415 graduate earnings against $2,446 annual costs and manageable $9,553 debt loads. Cal State Fullerton provides the highest earnings at $67,101 with moderate debt of $13,750. Queens College balances strong earnings of $59,873 with low debt of $10,301. Students should consider both immediate costs and long-term earning potential when choosing programs.

More Computer Science Rankings

Best Value Computer Science Computer Science Under $20,000

Related

All Computer Science Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.