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Cheapest Mathematics and Computer Science Colleges

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

Mathematics and Computer Science programs span an unusual cost range, from University of Wisconsin-Parkside at $10,044 annually to premium options reaching $16,470. California dominates the affordability conversation with UC San Diego and UC Irvine delivering top-tier programs for under $13,000, while their graduates enter Silicon Valley's tech ecosystem where software engineers average $130,000 starting salaries. The data reveals sharp divides between public and private costs, with Christian Brothers University charging $37,300 in tuition despite offering aid that brings net costs to $10,896. Regional public universities like Eastern Illinois and Wichita State provide accessible entry points to fields where demand continues climbing. The tech sector added 200,000 new jobs last year, making these affordable pathways increasingly valuable for students who understand that program quality often matters more than sticker price in mathematics and computer science careers.
50
Programs
$10,044 – $23,529
Net Price Range
$71,855
Avg. Program Earnings
63.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Mathematics and Computer Science Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,044 $7,855 39.8% 72.8%
2 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
3 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
4 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
5 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
6 $12,840 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
7 $13,172 $9,315 63.9% 89.1%
8 $13,776 $9,322 51.4% 94.9%
9 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
10 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
11 $14,317 $35,558 55.9% 75.0%
12 $14,745 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
13 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
14 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
15 $15,074 $14,596 21.7% 51.5%
16 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
17 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
18 $15,729 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
19 $16,284 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
20 $16,470 $12,093 44.2% 88.0%
21 $16,494 $18,900 55.9%
22 $16,939 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%
23 $17,118 $8,152 45.4% 95.4%
24 $18,287 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
25 $18,290 $11,025 44.8% 83.4%
26 $18,406 $30,034 69.9% 84.6%
27 $18,680 $9,286 65.5% 92.7%
28 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
29 $18,701 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
30 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
31 $19,678 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
32 $19,712 $23,096 47.1% 55.6%
33 $19,813 $60,156 96.1% 4.0%
34 $20,148 $69,045 95.0% 4.0%
35 $20,351 $30,050 44.4% 75.3%
36 $20,566 $36,030 64.1% 45.5%
37 $20,583 $36,960 49.1% 81.4%
38 $20,605 $15,208 49.0% 95.5%
39 $20,786 $64,910 95.6% 9.2%
40 $20,860 $18,890 78.6% 59.8%
41 $21,034 $43,160 67.7% 96.8%
42 $21,232 $17,046 49.1% 78.0%
43 $21,423 $25,900 55.2% 96.0%
44 $21,583 $46,588 67.0% 94.2%
45 $21,782 $15,669 71.5% 86.3%
46 $22,117 $62,982 94.4% 11.8%
47 $22,144 $35,640 49.4% 51.8%
48 $22,353 $20,988 69.2% 79.2%
49 $23,169 $38,190 52.8% 70.6%
50 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UC San Diego such good value at $11,750 net cost?

UC San Diego combines top-tier academics with reasonable costs, maintaining an 87.6% graduation rate that ranks among the highest for affordable programs. The school accepts only 23.71% of applicants, creating a selective environment that attracts major tech recruiters. Students graduate with average debt of $18,887, well below national averages for computer science programs. The La Jolla campus provides direct access to San Diego's growing biotech and software industries.

How do public universities keep Mathematics and Computer Science costs low?

Public institutions like University of Utah charge in-state students just $9,315 while maintaining 89.13% acceptance rates and solid career outcomes. State funding allows these schools to offer quality instruction without premium pricing. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte demonstrates this model perfectly, charging $7,214 for residents while graduating 67.7% of students. Many public programs also benefit from industry partnerships that provide internship opportunities and job placement.

Is the 21.7% graduation rate at Paine College a red flag?

Paine College's unusually low graduation rate stands out dramatically compared to other programs in this price range. Most schools on this list graduate between 45-87% of students, making Paine's performance concerning despite competitive net costs of $15,074. Students should carefully research support services and academic resources before enrolling. The college's location in Augusta may also limit internship and career opportunities compared to tech centers.

Does University of Illinois Chicago offer strong earning potential at $12,313?

UIC graduates earn an average of $50,856 early in their careers, providing solid return on investment for the $12,313 annual cost. The Chicago location provides access to major financial firms, consulting companies, and growing tech startups. Students graduate with manageable debt averaging $18,150, allowing them to pursue opportunities without overwhelming financial pressure. The city's varied economy offers mathematics and computer science graduates multiple career pathways beyond traditional tech roles.

Where can students find the best combination of low cost and high graduation rates?

Purdue University delivers strong value with 83.1% graduation rates and $13,945 net costs, placing it among the best performers in both categories. The West Lafayette campus maintains strong industry connections that help students secure internships and jobs. University of California schools like UCI and UCSD also excel in this balance, though competition for admission remains fierce. Students should prioritize schools where graduation rates exceed 70% when comparing affordable options.

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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.