by our College Data Analytics Team
[Computer Science](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-science/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 8 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value computer science schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in computer science, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is Grinnell College, our #1 best value for computer science in Iowa. Located in the town of Grinnell, Grinnell College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $68,196. Typical student debt for computer science graduates is $16,375. Early-career computer science graduates make about $84,449. That is a strong return on a $16,375 median debt. The acceptance rate is 14%.
Students looking for strong value in computer science will find it at Maharishi University Of Management, which ranked #2. Maharishi University Of Management is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Fairfield. Students from in state pay about $16,530 in tuition and fees. Soon after graduation, computer science degree recipients from Maharishi University Of Management generally make around $114,993. The acceptance rate is 96%.
A rank of #3 makes Iowa State University one of the best values for computer science. Iowa State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ames. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Typical student debt for computer science graduates is $24,663. Early-career computer science graduates make about $78,517. Set against $24,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Northern Iowa came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value computer science schools. University Of Northern Iowa is a large public school located in the city of Cedar Falls. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Students borrow a median of $26,200 to complete the computer science program here. Early-career computer science graduates make about $65,960. That is a strong return on a $26,200 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #5 makes University Of Iowa one of the best values for computer science. Located in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Computer Science graduates carry a median of $24,463 in student loans. Computer Science graduates of University Of Iowa earn a median of $57,375 early in their careers. Set against $24,463 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants.
Luther College ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value computer science schools. Set in the town of Decorah, Luther College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,120. Computer Science graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computer science degree recipients from Luther College generally make around $63,760. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%.
Cornell College came in at #7 for value in computer science this year. Set in the town of Mount Vernon, Cornell College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,660. Typical student debt for computer science graduates is $27,000. Early-career computer science graduates make about $35,545. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cornell College admits about 80% of applicants.
Saint Ambrose University placed #8 among the best values for computer science. Located in the city of Davenport, Saint Ambrose University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,658. Computer Science graduates carry a median of $27,528 in student loans. Computer Science graduates of Saint Ambrose University earn a median of $57,252 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
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.
More about our data sources and methodologies.