2026 Best Value Computer Programming Schools in New Jersey
[Computer Programming](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-programming/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 13 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value computer programming schools.
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2026 Best Value Computer Programming Schools in New Jersey
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in computer programming, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Computer Programming Schools
Leading the list is Essex County College, our #1 best value for computer programming in New Jersey. Located in the city of Newark, Essex County College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,415, compared with $9,523 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for computer programming graduates is $12,472. Soon after graduation, computer programming degree recipients from Essex County College generally make around $37,915. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Mercer County Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in computer programming, landing the #2 spot this year. Mercer County Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of West Windsor. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,310, with out-of-state students paying around $9,174. Typical student debt for computer programming graduates is $12,250. Early-career computer programming graduates make about $45,389. That is a strong return on a $12,250 median debt.
Atlantic Cape Community College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value computer programming schools. Located in the rural area of Mays Landing, Atlantic Cape Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,594, compared with $8,350 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for computer programming graduates is $12,002. Computer Programming graduates of Atlantic Cape Community College earn a median of $37,141 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #4 makes Rowan University one of the best values for computer programming. Rowan University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Glassboro. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,574, with out-of-state students paying around $26,932. Typical student debt for computer programming graduates is $25,000. Computer Programming graduates of Rowan University earn a median of $41,799 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 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 · 13 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 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.
