2026 Best Value Computer Science Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Computer Science master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1091 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh 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 analyzed 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Brigham Young University Provo tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Computer Science master's degree schools in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. The median Computer Science program debt is $12,000. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
Northwest Missouri State University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Computer Science ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Maryville, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $10,611, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Typical Computer Science student debt is $23,585. Median earnings reach $47,885 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,585 median debt. Northwest Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Northwest Missouri State University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arizona State University Skysong earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. The median Computer Science program debt is $23,742. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Set against $23,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
A rank of #4 makes Saint Martins University one of the best values in the United States. Saint Martins University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lacey, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,510. Students borrow a median of $14,667 to complete their Computer Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,092 ten years after entry. Set against $14,667 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Saint Martins University profile
You'll get strong value at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, which ranked #5 this year. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public school based in Edwardsville, IL. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Typical Computer Science student debt is $21,745. Median earnings reach $56,346 ten years out. Set against $21,745 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Seattle University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $56,721. Graduates carry a median of $24,980 in student loans. Median earnings reach $75,272 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,980 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. See the full Seattle University profile
North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located 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, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. North Dakota State University Main Campus Computer Science students take on a median of $25,959 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. Set against $25,959 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
Fitchburg State University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,346, while out-of-state students pay about $17,426. Typical Computer Science student debt is $25,840. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,874. That is a strong return on a $25,840 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Fitchburg State University report
Metropolitan State University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,840. Students borrow a median of $27,008 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $64,705 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,008 median debt. Metropolitan State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read the full report on Metropolitan State University
Saint Cloud State University placed #10 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,245. The median Computer Science program debt is $27,360. Saint Cloud State University alumni report median earnings of $55,813 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Saint Cloud State University report
Villanova University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Villanova University is a private not-for-profit school based in Villanova, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,776. The median Computer Science program debt is $26,184. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $100,423. Set against $26,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read the full report on Villanova University
Cornell University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. The median Computer Science program debt is $14,698. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $104,043. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%. Get the full Cornell University report
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Based in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Students borrow a median of $25,347 to complete their Computer Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,600. That is a strong return on a $25,347 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile
Delaware State University placed #14 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Dover, DE. Students from in state pay about $10,670 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,634. Graduates carry a median of $26,333 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,307. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Delaware State University admits about 47% of applicants. See the full Delaware State University profile
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public school based in San Luis Obispo, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,298 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,768. That is a strong return on a $19,298 median debt. The acceptance rate is 31%. Read more about California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
University Of Central Arkansas came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,523 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,023. Graduates carry a median of $22,920 in student loans. University Of Central Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $45,938 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full University Of Central Arkansas report
University Of California Berkeley landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Students borrow a median of $13,900 to complete their Computer Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,900 median debt. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #18 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Nebraska At Omaha landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Omaha, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,718, with out-of-state students paying around $23,206. Typical Computer Science student debt is $21,595. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Typical Computer Science student debt is $21,719. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. Set against $21,719 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield
Lewis University placed #21 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Romeoville, IL. Students from in state pay about $39,200 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Computer Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,099. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read the full report on Lewis University
Louisiana Tech University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ruston, LA, Louisiana Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,125, compared with $16,866 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $22,875. Median earnings reach $52,279 ten years out. Set against $22,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Louisiana Tech University admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about Louisiana Tech University
University Of Washington Tacoma Campus landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Tacoma, WA, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,168 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $43,404. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus Computer Science students take on a median of $16,151 in debt. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus alumni report median earnings of $78,466 a decade after entry. Set against $16,151 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus admits about 82% of applicants. More on University Of Washington Tacoma Campus
Loyola University Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,710. Typical Computer Science student debt is $23,521. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,530. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Loyola University Chicago
University Of California San Diego ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Graduates carry a median of $16,550 in student loans. Median earnings reach $84,943 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read more about University Of California San Diego
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Computer Science Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Lehigh University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Set in Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $64,980 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,854 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $105,584. That is a strong return on a $23,854 median debt. Lehigh University admits about 26% of applicants. Get the full Lehigh University report
Frostburg State University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Set in Frostburg, MD, Frostburg State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,220, compared with $25,814 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $21,500. Median earnings reach $55,493 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Frostburg State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. See the full Frostburg State University profile
University Of North Dakota placed #28 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Based in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $25,110. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,552. That is a strong return on a $25,110 median debt. University Of North Dakota has an acceptance rate of 77%. Get the full University Of North Dakota report
Northern Illinois University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. The median Computer Science program debt is $22,966. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Set against $22,966 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%. Read more about Northern Illinois University
University Of Pennsylvania ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Students borrow a median of $13,500 to complete their Computer Science program here. University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $111,371 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Teaneck, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,010 in tuition and fees. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus Computer Science students take on a median of $24,770 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,273. Set against $24,770 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,118 in student loans. University Of Washington Seattle Campus alumni report median earnings of $78,466 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,118 median debt. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Michigan Technological University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This public school is set in Houghton, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $20,532, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. Students borrow a median of $24,763 to complete their Computer Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,198. That is a strong return on a $24,763 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. See the full Michigan Technological University profile
The University Of Texas Pan American came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,799, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. The median Computer Science program debt is $14,694. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,620. That is a strong return on a $14,694 median debt. The University Of Texas Pan American admits about 94% of applicants. More on The University Of Texas Pan American
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,616 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater Computer Science students take on a median of $25,306 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,356. Set against $25,306 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater report
Central Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. Typical Computer Science student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Central Michigan University report
Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham placed #36 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham is a private not-for-profit school based in Madison, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,468. Graduates carry a median of $24,701 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,273. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham has an acceptance rate of 95%. See the full Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham profile
Saint Louis University Main Campus ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,760. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $70,783. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Saint Louis University Main Campus report
California State University Channel Islands offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Camarillo, CA, California State University Channel Islands is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,159, compared with $19,759 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $18,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,152. Set against $18,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on California State University Channel Islands
Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne placed #39 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a public school based in Fort Wayne, IN. Students from in state pay about $9,532 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,887. Typical Computer Science student debt is $24,375. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,872. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne has an acceptance rate of 84%. Get the full Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne report
Bradley University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Bradley University is a private not-for-profit school based in Peoria, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,160. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Bradley University alumni report median earnings of $66,852 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bradley University admits about 77% of applicants. Read more about Bradley University
Stanford University placed #42 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Stanford University is a private not-for-profit school based in Stanford, CA. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. Stanford University Computer Science students take on a median of $10,399 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $124,080. That is a strong return on a $10,399 median debt. Stanford University has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read more about Stanford University
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,187 in student loans. 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. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Purdue University Main Campus Computer Science students take on a median of $19,375 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. That is a strong return on a $19,375 median debt. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,058, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Graduates carry a median of $24,323 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,772. Set against $24,323 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus admits about 14% of applicants. More on Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
University Of Arkansas landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $21,343. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,191. That is a strong return on a $21,343 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. Get the full University Of Arkansas report
University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,829 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,743. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus
North Central College placed #48 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Naperville, IL, North Central College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,726. Students borrow a median of $26,678 to complete their Computer Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,123. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Central College admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full North Central College report
University Of Central Oklahoma placed #49 among the best-value Computer Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Edmond, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $8,818, compared with $19,704 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,321 to complete their Computer Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,351. Set against $23,321 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Central Oklahoma has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read the full report on University Of Central Oklahoma
University Of California Santa Barbara landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,444 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. University Of California Santa Barbara alumni report median earnings of $74,915 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 33%. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Barbara
Related Computer Science Value Rankings
Explore 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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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