Skip to main content

Cheapest Computer Science Colleges in Ohio

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

Ohio University's regional campuses offer Computer Science programs for under $7,000 net annually, making them among the nation's most affordable options for tech education. The Eastern Campus in Saint Clairsville costs just $4,503 net, while the Southern Campus follows at $5,328, both delivering degree pathways at prices that challenge community college rates. This affordability matters in a state where companies like Honda, Cleveland Clinic, and growing tech firms in Columbus actively recruit software developers and IT professionals. However, graduation rates at these budget-friendly campuses range from 12% to 20%, creating a sharp contrast with higher-cost options like Kent State University, which charges $19,614 net but graduates 65.5% of its students. Ohio's manufacturing heritage now blends with tech innovation, particularly in automotive software and healthcare technology, creating steady demand for Computer Science graduates who can bridge traditional industry needs with modern digital solutions.
38
Programs
$4,503 – $38,909
Net Price Range
$62,607
Avg. Program Earnings
53.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

38 Computer Science Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
2 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
3 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
4 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
5 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
6 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
7 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
8 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
9 $16,065 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
10 $16,135 $36,650 54.7% 54.4%
11 $16,544 $7,824 25.6% 88.8%
12 $18,372 $38,974 58.1% 82.9%
13 $19,470 $44,602 53.8% 93.9%
14 $19,476 $34,370 47.9% 52.4%
15 $19,614 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
16 $20,004 $34,595 61.7% 72.5%
17 $20,088 $26,265 59.1% 93.1%
18 $20,204 $31,440 52.7% 86.4%
19 $20,413 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
20 $21,619 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
21 $21,662 $33,628 49.8% 71.4%
22 $21,994 $28,910 60.6% 71.8%
23 $22,605 $9,577 30.3%
24 $22,881 $36,120 51.3% 77.6%
25 $23,585 $41,788 65.5% 72.2%
26 $23,731 $39,646 62.6% 86.0%
27 $23,758 $32,400 43.0% 82.8%
28 $23,987 $32,630 77.1% 66.7%
29 $25,022 $36,078 74.3% 64.9%
30 $25,727 $37,800 74.2% 54.4%
31 $25,766 $59,550 73.6% 56.3%
32 $27,654 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
33 $28,617 $49,100 76.5% 82.4%
34 $29,541 $20,560 32.2%
35 $31,236 $47,600 81.5% 74.1%
36 $32,342 $48,125 70.5% 84.5%
37 $38,111 $64,000 80.1% 22.0%
38 $38,909 $64,671 87.0% 27.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Ohio University's regional campuses so affordable for Computer Science?

Ohio University operates five regional campuses with net costs between $4,503 and $6,483 annually, well below typical four-year program expenses. These campuses share resources and faculty with the main Athens campus while serving smaller student populations in rural areas. The low overhead costs and state funding support keep tuition accessible. However, graduation rates at these campuses range from just 12.1% to 20%, requiring students to carefully consider their academic readiness and support needs.

How do graduation rates vary between affordable and mid-priced programs?

The most affordable Ohio programs show graduation rates below 25%, while mid-priced options perform significantly better. Kent State University graduates 65.5% of students at a $19,614 net cost, compared to Ohio University-Eastern's 20% rate at $4,503. Youngstown State University offers a middle ground with a 52.9% graduation rate and $11,877 net cost. This pattern suggests that slightly higher investment often correlates with better completion rates and support services.

Where do Computer Science graduates find employment in Ohio?

Ohio's tech job market spans healthcare systems, manufacturing companies, and emerging startups, particularly in Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. Major employers include Cleveland Clinic for healthcare technology, Honda for automotive software, and various financial services firms. Kent State graduates earn a median of $64,493 annually, while Youngstown State graduates start at $49,644. The state's blend of traditional industry and tech innovation creates opportunities in both established corporations and growing software companies.

Is the price difference between public and private schools significant?

Public universities in Ohio charge between $4,503 and $19,614 net annually for Computer Science programs, while private options like Mount St. Joseph University cost $16,135 despite a sticker price of $36,650. The Ohio College Opportunity Grant and other state aid help reduce costs at public institutions. Private schools often provide more generous institutional aid, but their final net prices typically remain higher than public alternatives. Students should compare actual net costs rather than published tuition rates.

Does school choice affect career earnings in Computer Science?

Available salary data shows Kent State graduates earning $64,493 median income compared to $49,644 at Youngstown State University, a $14,849 difference despite similar program costs. However, individual skills, internship experiences, and job market timing often matter more than school prestige in technology fields. Ohio's varied economy provides opportunities for graduates from various programs to advance their careers. Students should focus on building practical skills and gaining relevant experience alongside their degree completion.

More Computer Science Rankings

Best Value Computer Science in Ohio Computer Science Under $20,000 in Ohio

Related

All Computer Science Programs Best Colleges in Ohio Best Computer Science in Ohio

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