2026 Best Value Computer Science Schools in Tennessee
[Computer Science](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-science/) 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.
College Factual analyzed 25 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value computer science schools.
What’s on this page:
2026 Best Value Computer Science Schools in Tennessee
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in computer science, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Computer Science Schools
Christian Brothers University earned the #1 spot for value among computer science schools in Tennessee. Christian Brothers University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Memphis. Students from in state pay about $38,420 in tuition and fees. Computer Science graduates carry a median of $32,416 in student loans. Early-career computer science graduates make about $51,040. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #2 makes Middle Tennessee State University one of the best values for computer science. Middle Tennessee State University is a very large public school located in the city of Murfreesboro. In-state tuition and fees average $10,266, with out-of-state students paying around $31,574. Typical student debt for computer science graduates is $21,500. Early-career computer science graduates make about $57,653. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Middle Tennessee State University admits about 69% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in computer science will find it at The University Of Tennessee Martin, which ranked #3. Located in the town of Martin, The University Of Tennessee Martin is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $10,560 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,600. Computer Science graduates carry a median of $23,770 in student loans. Early-career computer science graduates make about $46,710. Set against $23,770 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in computer science will find it at University Of Memphis, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Memphis, University Of Memphis is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for computer science graduates is $24,672. Soon after graduation, computer science degree recipients from University Of Memphis generally make around $57,233. That is a strong return on a $24,672 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%.
A rank of #5 makes The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga one of the best values for computer science. Located in the city of Chattanooga, The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,448, with out-of-state students paying around $18,512. Typical student debt for computer science graduates is $25,125. Early-career computer science graduates make about $68,076. Set against $25,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.
Tennessee State University earned the #6 position for value in computer science this year. Set in the city of Nashville, Tennessee State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,616 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,416. Typical student debt for computer science graduates is $27,724. Soon after graduation, computer science degree recipients from Tennessee State University generally make around $50,628. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.
Tennessee Technological University came in at #7 for value in computer science this year. Located in the town of Cookeville, Tennessee Technological University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,376, compared with $15,576 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,605 to complete the computer science program here. Computer Science graduates of Tennessee Technological University earn a median of $63,180 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,605 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
Austin Peay State University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value computer science schools. Located in the city of Clarksville, Austin Peay State University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,006, while out-of-state students pay about $14,766. Students borrow a median of $24,530 to complete the computer science program here. Early-career computer science graduates make about $44,360. Set against $24,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Austin Peay State University admits about 96% of applicants.
The University Of Tennessee landed the #9 spot for computer science value this year. Set in the city of Knoxville, The University Of Tennessee is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. Typical student debt for computer science graduates is $16,750. Computer Science graduates of The University Of Tennessee earn a median of $70,193 early in their careers. Set against $16,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Tennessee admits about 42% of applicants.
Vanderbilt University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value computer science schools. Vanderbilt University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Nashville. Students from in state pay about $67,498 in tuition and fees. Computer Science graduates carry a median of $14,500 in student loans. Computer Science graduates of Vanderbilt University earn a median of $122,244 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,500 median debt. Vanderbilt University admits about 6% of applicants.
Rhodes College came in at #11 for value in computer science this year. Set in the city of Memphis, Rhodes College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $57,110. Computer Science graduates carry a median of $25,982 in student loans. Early-career computer science graduates make about $60,225. Set against $25,982 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 50%.
More Computer Science Rankings
View All Computer Science Rankings >
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 · 25 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 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.
