Skip to main content

Cheapest Computer Science Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown delivers the state's most affordable Computer Science education at $18,952 net cost while producing graduates who earn $67,202 annually. This creates an unusual scenario where the cheapest program generates the highest graduate salaries among Pennsylvania's options. Central Penn College follows closely at $19,279, though its 38.90% graduation rate contrasts sharply with Pitt-Johnstown's 53.40%. Pennsylvania's tech sector, anchored by companies like Comcast and growing healthcare technology firms, provides strong employment prospects for Computer Science graduates. The state's mix of public and private institutions creates significant cost variations, with private colleges like Haverford reaching $68,300 sticker prices while public options remain under $15,000 for in-state students. Private nonprofit schools dominate the affordable tier, with 13 of the top 15 programs coming from this sector. Most programs maintain acceptance rates above 70%, making admission accessible for qualified students seeking technical education in a state where healthcare systems like UPMC increasingly rely on software solutions.
37
Programs
$18,952 – $44,876
Net Price Range
$80,288
Avg. Program Earnings
71.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

37 Computer Science Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $18,952 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
2 $19,279 $19,404 38.9% 34.0%
3 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
4 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
5 $21,409 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
6 $21,461 $17,850 41.2% 80.7%
7 $21,900 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
8 $21,972 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
9 $22,222 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
10 $22,558 $41,414 71.0% 78.3%
11 $22,746 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
12 $23,206 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
13 $23,281 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
14 $23,331 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
15 $25,210 $68,300 89.4% 14.2%
16 $25,885 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
17 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
18 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
19 $28,132 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
20 $29,577 $32,625 65.2% 81.0%
21 $29,843 $52,000 71.1% 67.0%
22 $30,074 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
23 $30,086 $64,230 82.7% 56.3%
24 $30,314 $60,240 80.2% 65.5%
25 $30,470 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
26 $30,485 $59,196 76.6% 82.2%
27 $30,528 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
28 $31,229 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
29 $31,671 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
30 $32,191 $63,475 83.4% 34.9%
31 $33,549 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
32 $34,978 $47,146 75.5% 87.5%
33 $35,487 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%
34 $38,428 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
35 $39,061 $68,380 86.0% 36.2%
36 $40,690 $62,560 85.6% 30.8%
37 $44,876 $64,701 92.4% 23.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown's program stand out financially?

Pitt-Johnstown offers the lowest net cost at $18,952 while delivering the highest graduate earnings at $67,202 annually. The program maintains a 97.41% acceptance rate, making it accessible to most applicants. Students graduate with $25,750 in debt, creating a favorable return on investment compared to other state options.

How do graduation rates vary among affordable Pennsylvania Computer Science programs?

Graduation rates span from 38.90% at Central Penn College to 89.40% at Haverford College. Most affordable options fall between 50-70%, with Marywood University achieving 72.50% and Saint Vincent College reaching 72.10%. Programs under $25,000 net cost average approximately 60% graduation rates.

Does attending a private college significantly increase Computer Science costs in Pennsylvania?

Private colleges dominate the affordable tier, with 13 of the 15 cheapest programs coming from private institutions. Net costs range from $19,685 at York College to $25,210 at Haverford College. Many private schools offer substantial financial aid, bringing total costs below their published sticker prices of $35,000-$68,000.

What employment opportunities exist for Computer Science graduates in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania hosts major technology employers including Comcast, UPMC's health technology division, and pharmaceutical companies requiring software expertise. Graduate earnings data shows Computer Science majors earning between $51,273-$67,202 annually. The state's healthcare sector, finance industry, and growing tech companies provide career paths for programming and systems development roles.

Where can students find the most accessible Computer Science programs by admission standards?

Most affordable Pennsylvania Computer Science programs maintain high acceptance rates above 80%. University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown and La Roche University both accept over 97% of applicants. Only Haverford College among affordable options maintains selective admissions at 14.21% acceptance, reflecting its national reputation and higher academic standards.

More Computer Science Rankings

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

Related

All Computer Science Programs Best Colleges in Pennsylvania Best Computer Science in Pennsylvania

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