2026 Best Value Computer Information Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Computer Information Sciences graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 2622 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.
To help you make your decision, Grad Degree reviewed schools to produce 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 Information Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Simpson College this year in the United States. Located in Indianola, IA, Simpson College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $47,656 in tuition and fees. Simpson College Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,274 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on Simpson College
You'll get strong value at American Public University System, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. Typical Computer Information Sciences student debt is $20,838. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,409 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full American Public University System profile
Park University came in at #3 on this year's best-value Computer Information Sciences ranking in the United States. Located in Parkville, MO, Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,116 in tuition and fees. The median Computer Information Sciences program debt is $22,504. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,309. That is a strong return on a $22,504 median debt. Read more about Park University
Colorado State University Global Campus came in at #4 on this year's best-value Computer Information Sciences ranking in the United States. Based in Denver, CO, Colorado State University Global Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,000. The median Computer Information Sciences program debt is $29,602. Graduates go on to earn a median of $76,813 ten years after entry. Set against $29,602 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. More on Colorado State University Global Campus
You'll get strong value at Minnesota State University Mankato, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Information Sciences student debt is $20,625. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Set against $20,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Ferris State University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,778. Ferris State University Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $27,344 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,735. That is a strong return on a $27,344 median debt. Ferris State University admits about 91% of applicants. Read more about Ferris State University
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Winona, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $45,080. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $21,999 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,170 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about Saint Marys University Of Minnesota
Dakota State University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Based in Madison, SD, Dakota State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,654 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,756. The median Computer Information Sciences program debt is $24,841. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,970 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Dakota State University
University Of Maryland University College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools. Based in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,136 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,336 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Information Sciences student debt is $20,277. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,287. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about University Of Maryland University College
Metropolitan State University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,840 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $35,281 in student loans. Metropolitan State University alumni report median earnings of $64,705 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $35,281 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full Metropolitan State University report
University Of Phoenix Arizona came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Phoenix, AZ, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,552. The median Computer Information Sciences program debt is $33,775. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,752 ten years after entry. Set against $33,775 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about University Of Phoenix Arizona
Seattle University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools. Seattle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Seattle, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,721. Typical Computer Information Sciences student debt is $24,980. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,272. That is a strong return on a $24,980 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. See the full Seattle University profile
Illinois State University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. The median Computer Information Sciences program debt is $22,257. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,117. That is a strong return on a $22,257 median debt. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Illinois State University profile
Marist College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Marist College is a private not-for-profit school based in Poughkeepsie, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,620. Graduates carry a median of $26,970 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $77,819. Set against $26,970 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 56%. See the full Marist College profile
North Dakota State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,959 to complete their Computer Information Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $25,959 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
Lewis University placed #16 among the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools in the United States. Lewis University is a private not-for-profit school based in Romeoville, IL. Students from in state pay about $39,200 in tuition and fees. Lewis University Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $26,925 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,099. That is a strong return on a $26,925 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Lewis University
Sam Houston State University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Located in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. Typical Computer Information Sciences student debt is $23,473. Sam Houston State University alumni report median earnings of $54,211 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,473 median debt. Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Sam Houston State University
Norwich University placed #18 among the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Northfield, VT. In-state tuition and fees average $49,740. Students borrow a median of $26,364 to complete their Computer Information Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $65,575 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,364 median debt. Norwich University has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read the full report on Norwich University
Walden University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $11,067. Typical Computer Information Sciences student debt is $52,459. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,810. That is a strong return on a $52,459 median debt. Get the full Walden University report
Bowie State University placed #20 among the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools in the United States. Bowie State University is a public school based in Bowie, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,218, with out-of-state students paying around $19,938. Bowie State University Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $30,000 in debt. Bowie State University alumni report median earnings of $54,537 a decade after entry. Set against $30,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Bowie State University
University Of St Thomas Minnesota ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools. Based in Saint Paul, MN, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $54,398. Students borrow a median of $23,704 to complete their Computer Information Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,739 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full University Of St Thomas Minnesota report
Champlain College landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Burlington, VT, Champlain College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $47,850. Graduates carry a median of $26,928 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,386. That is a strong return on a $26,928 median debt. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Champlain College
Regis University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in Denver, CO, Regis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $28,140. Typical Computer Information Sciences student debt is $30,389. Regis University alumni report median earnings of $72,105 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,389 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full Regis University report
Saint Louis University Main Campus placed #24 among the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,760. The median Computer Information Sciences program debt is $36,973. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $70,783. Set against $36,973 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Saint Louis University Main Campus report
Marquette University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,170. Students borrow a median of $22,536 to complete their Computer Information Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $78,257 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. Read the full report on Marquette University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Computer Information Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Capella University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400. The median Computer Information Sciences program debt is $33,857. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,189. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Capella University
Devry University Illinois ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools. Located in Lisle, IL, Devry University Illinois is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,008. Devry University Illinois Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $32,631 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,987 ten years after entry. Set against $32,631 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. See the full Devry University Illinois profile
Baker College Of Flint ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools. Set in Owosso, MI, Baker College Of Flint is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,000 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $35,804 in student loans. Baker College Of Flint alumni report median earnings of $35,833 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $35,804 median debt. Baker College Of Flint admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Baker College Of Flint report
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Students borrow a median of $23,246 to complete their Computer Information Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. Set against $23,246 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. Read more about Texas Tech University
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. The median Computer Information Sciences program debt is $22,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
University Of Virginia Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,783 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,863. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 17%. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
University Of Nebraska At Omaha came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Set in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,718, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. The median Computer Information Sciences program debt is $14,629. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Depaul University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Set in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. Depaul University Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $25,297 in debt. Median earnings reach $68,751 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. Get the full Depaul University report
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools. Based in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,775, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,258 ten years after entry. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. 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. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Computer Information Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,273 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read the full report on Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus
Grand Valley State University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Grand Valley State University Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $27,054 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,118 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,054 median debt. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Grand Valley State University profile
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Computer Information Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,698. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
Devry College Of New York offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Devry College Of New York is a private for-profit school based in New York, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,008. Graduates carry a median of $41,003 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,987. That is a strong return on a $41,003 median debt. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Devry College Of New York report
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Graduates carry a median of $25,370 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. Set against $25,370 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
James Madison University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,966 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $31,312. Students borrow a median of $21,458 to complete their Computer Information Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $69,954 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,458 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on James Madison University
Texas Womans University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Texas Womans University is a public school based in Denton, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,640, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,399 to complete their Computer Information Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,544. Set against $18,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Womans University has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on Texas Womans University
Montclair State University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools. Montclair State University is a public school based in Montclair, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,912, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. The median Computer Information Sciences program debt is $23,501. Median earnings reach $61,415 ten years out. Set against $23,501 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Montclair State University profile
Towson University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Located in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,728, with out-of-state students paying around $29,820. Typical Computer Information Sciences student debt is $20,673. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,390 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,673 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read more about Towson University
University Of North Texas landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. University Of North Texas Computer Information Sciences students take on a median of $24,551 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,010 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of North Texas report
Edp College Of Puerto Rico Inc San Juan landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Juan, PR, Edp College Of Puerto Rico Inc San Juan is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,050, with out-of-state students paying around $14,125. Graduates carry a median of $10,669 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $22,844. Set against $10,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Edp College Of Puerto Rico Inc San Juan
East Carolina University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools. Set in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,361, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. Graduates carry a median of $26,925 in student loans. East Carolina University alumni report median earnings of $55,146 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,925 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full East Carolina University profile
Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham placed #48 among the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Madison, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,468. The median Computer Information Sciences program debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,273. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham admits about 95% of applicants. Get the full Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham report
Florida Atlantic University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Based in Boca Raton, FL, Florida Atlantic University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,879, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $18,337 in student loans. Florida Atlantic University alumni report median earnings of $56,746 a decade after entry. Set against $18,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida Atlantic University admits about 66% of applicants. See the full Florida Atlantic University profile
University Of Memphis offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Located in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. Students borrow a median of $24,672 to complete their Computer Information Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,458 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,672 median debt. University Of Memphis admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about University Of Memphis
Central Michigan University placed #51 among the best-value Computer Information Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Mount Pleasant, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. Typical Computer Information Sciences student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,874. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Michigan University admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Central Michigan University
Related Computer Information Sciences Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Computer Information Sciences Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Computer Information Sciences Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Information Sciences Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Information Sciences Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Information Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Information Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Computer Information Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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 2622 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).