2027 Best Value General Computer Programming Schools in Illinois

[General Computer Programming](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-programming/general-computer-programming/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 8 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for general computer programming students.
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2027 Best Value General Computer Programming Schools in Illinois
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general computer programming degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value General Computer Programming Schools
Our analysis ranked Joliet Junior College the best value for a degree in general computer programming in Illinois. Located in the suburb of Joliet, Joliet Junior College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,530, while out-of-state students pay about $13,800. General Computer Programming graduates carry a median of $11,995 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general computer programming degree recipients from Joliet Junior College generally make around $40,118. Set against $11,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in general computer programming will find it at Moraine Valley Community College, which ranked #2. Located in the suburb of Palos Hills, Moraine Valley Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $3,822 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,846. Typical student debt for general computer programming graduates is $11,149. General Computer Programming graduates of Moraine Valley Community College earn a median of $43,844 early in their careers. Set against $11,149 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in general computer programming will find it at College Of Dupage, which ranked #3. Located in the suburb of Glen Ellyn, College Of Dupage is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,560, while out-of-state students pay about $12,750. Students borrow a median of $7,812 to complete the general computer programming program here. Soon after graduation, general computer programming degree recipients from College Of Dupage generally make around $43,025. Set against $7,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Mchenry County College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general computer programming, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the rural area of Crystal Lake, Mchenry County College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,162, while out-of-state students pay about $14,399. General Computer Programming graduates carry a median of $7,440 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general computer programming degree recipients from Mchenry County College generally make around $24,177. Set against $7,440 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #5 makes Parkland College one of the best values for general computer programming. Located in the city of Champaign, Parkland College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,284, while out-of-state students pay about $13,266. Typical student debt for general computer programming graduates is $10,168. Early-career general computer programming graduates make about $40,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Southwestern Illinois College ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value general computer programming schools. Located in the suburb of Belleville, Southwestern Illinois College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,230, while out-of-state students pay about $6,720. Students borrow a median of $10,388 to complete the general computer programming program here. Early-career general computer programming graduates make about $44,345. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Illinois Central College earned the #7 position for value in general computer programming this year. Set in the suburb of East Peoria, Illinois Central College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,150 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,222 to complete the general computer programming program here. Soon after graduation, general computer programming degree recipients from Illinois Central College generally make around $53,190. Set against $12,222 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Depaul University placed #8 among the best values for general computer programming. Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. Typical student debt for general computer programming graduates is $25,497. Soon after graduation, general computer programming degree recipients from Depaul University generally make around $83,432. Set against $25,497 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%.
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.