2026 Best Value General Computer Programming Schools in Illinois

1

Moraine Valley Community College
Palos Hills, IL

Our analysis ranked Moraine Valley Community College the best value for a degree in general computer programming in Illinois. Set in the suburb of Palos Hills, Moraine Valley Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,822 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,846. General Computer Programming graduates carry a median of $11,149 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general computer programming degree recipients from Moraine Valley Community College generally make around $43,844. Set against $11,149 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College
Chicago, IL

A rank of #2 makes City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College one of the best values for general computer programming. City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College is a large public school located in the city of Chicago. Students from in state pay about $4,590 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,150. Students borrow a median of $8,093 to complete the general computer programming program here. Soon after graduation, general computer programming degree recipients from City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College generally make around $33,073. That is a strong return on a $8,093 median debt.

3

Lake Land College
Mattoon, IL

Lake Land College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value general computer programming schools. Lake Land College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Mattoon. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,415, compared with $14,301 for out-of-state students. General Computer Programming graduates carry a median of $7,769 in student loans. General Computer Programming graduates of Lake Land College earn a median of $30,294 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $7,769 median debt.

4

City Colleges Of Chicago Harold Washington College
Chicago, IL

City Colleges Of Chicago Harold Washington College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value general computer programming schools. City Colleges Of Chicago Harold Washington College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Chicago. In-state tuition and fees average $4,590, while out-of-state students pay about $15,150. Students borrow a median of $11,533 to complete the general computer programming program here. Early-career general computer programming graduates make about $33,960. That is a strong return on a $11,533 median debt.

5

Joliet Junior College
Joliet, IL

A rank of #5 makes Joliet Junior College one of the best values for general computer programming. Set in the suburb of Joliet, Joliet Junior College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,530, compared with $13,800 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general computer programming graduates is $11,995. General Computer Programming graduates of Joliet Junior College earn a median of $40,118 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

6

Harper College
Palatine, IL

Harper College landed the #6 spot for general computer programming value this year. Set in the suburb of Palatine, Harper College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,894, with out-of-state students paying around $11,874. Typical student debt for general computer programming graduates is $10,963. General Computer Programming graduates of Harper College earn a median of $44,523 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,963 median debt.

7

Oakton Community College
Des Plaines, IL

Oakton Community College landed the #7 spot for general computer programming value this year. Located in the city of Des Plaines, Oakton Community College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,985, with out-of-state students paying around $12,462. Typical student debt for general computer programming graduates is $7,750. General Computer Programming graduates of Oakton Community College earn a median of $48,838 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

8

Southwestern Illinois College
Belleville, IL

Southwestern Illinois College earned the #8 position for value in general computer programming this year. Set in the suburb of Belleville, Southwestern Illinois College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,230, compared with $6,720 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,388 to complete the general computer programming program here. Soon after graduation, general computer programming degree recipients from Southwestern Illinois College generally make around $44,345. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

9

Parkland College
Champaign, IL

Parkland College placed #9 among the best values for general computer programming. Located in the city of Champaign, Parkland College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,284, compared with $13,266 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,168 to complete the general computer programming program here. Early-career general computer programming graduates make about $40,409. Set against $10,168 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

10

Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, IL

Olivet Nazarene University landed the #10 spot for general computer programming value this year. Set in the suburb of Bourbonnais, Olivet Nazarene University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,900. General Computer Programming graduates carry a median of $26,797 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general computer programming degree recipients from Olivet Nazarene University generally make around $48,505. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted.

11

Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Depaul University landed the #11 spot for general computer programming value this year. Set in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $45,405 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,497 to complete the general computer programming program here. Early-career general computer programming graduates make about $83,432. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.