2026 Best Value Computer Science Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Computer Science doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1091 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree reviewed schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Computer Science Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Brigham Young University Provo tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Computer Science doctoral degree schools in the United States. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at North Dakota State University Main Campus earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. North Dakota State University Main Campus Computer Science students take on a median of $25,959 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Set against $25,959 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
Out of the 1091 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Cornell University landed the #3 spot. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. The median Computer Science program debt is $14,698. Median earnings reach $104,043 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Cornell University report
Out of the 1091 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs landed the #4 spot. Set in Colorado Springs, CO, Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,750 in tuition and fees. Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs Computer Science students take on a median of $44,014 in debt. Median earnings reach $37,180 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $44,014 median debt. See the full Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs profile
You'll get strong value at University Of California Berkeley, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $13,900. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. Set against $13,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%. More on University Of California Berkeley
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #6 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Typical Computer Science student debt is $20,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign profile
Depaul University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $45,405. Typical Computer Science student debt is $25,310. Depaul University alumni report median earnings of $68,751 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,310 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. See the full Depaul University profile
Marquette University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Milwaukee, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,170. Marquette University Computer Science students take on a median of $24,122 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,257. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Marquette University report
Lehigh University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Set in Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,980. Graduates carry a median of $23,854 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $105,584. Set against $23,854 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 26% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Lehigh University
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. The median Computer Science program debt is $20,187. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,187 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
The University Of Texas At El Paso came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public school based in El Paso, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,544, compared with $25,502 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,819 to complete their Computer Science program here. The University Of Texas At El Paso alumni report median earnings of $50,923 a decade after entry. Set against $19,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At El Paso
Michigan Technological University placed #12 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Houghton, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,532, compared with $44,807 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $24,763. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,198. Set against $24,763 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read the full report on Michigan Technological University
University Of California San Diego came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. University Of California San Diego is a public school based in La Jolla, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Typical Computer Science student debt is $16,550. University Of California San Diego alumni report median earnings of $84,943 a decade after entry. Set against $16,550 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants. See the full University Of California San Diego profile
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. The median Computer Science program debt is $19,375. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,424. That is a strong return on a $19,375 median debt. The acceptance rate is 50%. More on Purdue University Main Campus
University Of California Santa Barbara landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Typical Computer Science student debt is $11,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,915 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Santa Barbara has an acceptance rate of 33%. See the full University Of California Santa Barbara profile
Carnegie Mellon University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit school based in Pittsburgh, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,636. The median Computer Science program debt is $21,442. Carnegie Mellon University alumni report median earnings of $114,862 a decade after entry. Set against $21,442 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 12%. More on Carnegie Mellon University
California Institute Of Technology placed #15 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Pasadena, CA, California Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,898. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $128,566. The acceptance rate is 3%. More on California Institute Of Technology
Stanford University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,910. Students borrow a median of $10,399 to complete their Computer Science program here. Stanford University alumni report median earnings of $124,080 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,399 median debt. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Stanford University
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,058, compared with $34,484 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,323 to complete their Computer Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,772. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 14%. Read more about Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
Southern Methodist University placed #20 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Located in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,040. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,354. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 63%. Read the full report on Southern Methodist University
Iowa State University placed #21 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Graduates carry a median of $24,663 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. Set against $24,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Iowa State University
University Of Maryland College Park offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $20,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,860. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Maryland College Park
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,131 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $72,200 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
University Of Georgia ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Typical Computer Science student debt is $22,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. Get the full University Of Georgia report
Brown University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Brown University is a private not-for-profit school based in Providence, RI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,312. Students borrow a median of $11,500 to complete their Computer Science program here. Brown University alumni report median earnings of $93,487 a decade after entry. Set against $11,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 5%. Read more about Brown University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Computer Science Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Texas State University San Marcos ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,445 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,906. That is a strong return on a $24,445 median debt. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants. Read more about Texas State University San Marcos
Stony Brook University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Stony Brook, NY, Stony Brook University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,931, compared with $32,741 for out-of-state students. Stony Brook University Computer Science students take on a median of $20,537 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,502. Set against $20,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 49%. See the full Stony Brook University profile
Harvard University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their Computer Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $101,817. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Harvard University has an acceptance rate of 4%. Get the full Harvard University report
New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Socorro, NM. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,476, with out-of-state students paying around $27,247. Students borrow a median of $18,747 to complete their Computer Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $76,489. Set against $18,747 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 44% of applicants are accepted. Get the full New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,020. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $21,073 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,758. Set against $21,073 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report
University Of California Irvine ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. University Of California Irvine is a public school based in Irvine, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. University Of California Irvine Computer Science students take on a median of $15,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $80,735 ten years out. Set against $15,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of California Irvine report
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cambridge, MA, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,396. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $143,372 ten years after entry. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. More on Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
University Of Maryland Baltimore County ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Located in Baltimore, MD, University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,256, while out-of-state students pay about $31,225. Typical Computer Science student debt is $20,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,960. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Maryland Baltimore County has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read the full report on University Of Maryland Baltimore County
University Of Memphis offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,728, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. Graduates carry a median of $24,672 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,458. That is a strong return on a $24,672 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read the full report on University Of Memphis
University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. This public school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $19,947. University Of Utah alumni report median earnings of $67,170 a decade after entry. Set against $19,947 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Utah has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on University Of Utah
Worcester Polytechnic Institute came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Set in Worcester, MA, Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $60,765 in tuition and fees. Typical Computer Science student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,470 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%. Get the full Worcester Polytechnic Institute report
George Washington University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. Students from in state pay about $67,710 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. George Washington University alumni report median earnings of $90,873 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. George Washington University admits about 47% of applicants. Read more about George Washington University
Duke University placed #38 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,758. Duke University Computer Science students take on a median of $13,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $97,800 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,500 median debt. Duke University has an acceptance rate of 6%. Read more about Duke University
Florida Institute Of Technology came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Set in Melbourne, FL, Florida Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,900. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $43,137 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida Institute Of Technology admits about 58% of applicants. Read the full report on Florida Institute Of Technology
Montana State University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Based in Bozeman, MT, Montana State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,460, compared with $33,287 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,263 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Montana State University admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on Montana State University
Washington State University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. This public school is set in Pullman, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Washington State University Computer Science students take on a median of $22,453 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,905 ten years after entry. Set against $22,453 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on Washington State University
Suny At Binghamton offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Located in Vestal, NY, Suny At Binghamton is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,567, with out-of-state students paying around $30,447. Typical Computer Science student debt is $19,500. Median earnings reach $80,596 ten years out. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Suny At Binghamton report
Vanderbilt University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Nashville, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,498. Graduates carry a median of $14,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $91,565 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted. More on Vanderbilt University
Portland State University placed #45 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Portland, OR, Portland State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,118 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,136 for out-of-state students. Portland State University Computer Science students take on a median of $31,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,906 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Portland State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read the full report on Portland State University
Indiana University Bloomington offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This public school is set in Bloomington, IN. Students from in state pay about $12,144 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,417 to complete their Computer Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,742. Set against $20,417 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Bloomington has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about Indiana University Bloomington
University Of Illinois At Chicago came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Chicago, IL, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $19,087. Median earnings reach $68,740 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,087 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about University Of Illinois At Chicago
Arizona State University placed #48 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Typical Computer Science student debt is $19,500. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Arizona State University profile
Dartmouth College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Hanover, NH, Dartmouth College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,019. Dartmouth College Computer Science students take on a median of $18,490 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $97,434. Set against $18,490 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Dartmouth College admits about 5% of applicants. Read more about Dartmouth College
Oregon State University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $64,010 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. More on Oregon State University
Related Computer Science Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Computer Science Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Computer Science Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Science Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Science Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Science Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Science Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1091 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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