2027 Best Value Computer Software & Applications Schools in Illinois
[Computer Software & Applications](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-software-and-apps/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong computer software & applications education at a price that pays off.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 9 schools to find the best return on investment for computer software & applications students.
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2027 Best Value Computer Software & Applications Schools in Illinois
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the computer software & applications degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Computer Software & Applications Schools
Joliet Junior College earned the #1 spot for value among computer software & applications schools in Illinois. Joliet Junior College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Joliet. Students from in state pay about $4,530 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $13,800. Students borrow a median of $11,995 to complete the computer software & applications program here. Early-career computer software & applications graduates make about $40,118. Set against $11,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Moraine Valley Community College came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value computer software & applications schools. Moraine Valley Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Palos Hills. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,822, compared with $9,846 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for computer software & applications graduates is $11,149. Computer Software & Applications graduates of Moraine Valley Community College earn a median of $43,844 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,149 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at College Of Dupage earned it the #3 place for computer software & applications. Set in the suburb of Glen Ellyn, College Of Dupage is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,560 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,750 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for computer software & applications graduates is $12,492. Early-career computer software & applications graduates make about $43,025. That is a strong return on a $12,492 median debt.
College Of Lake County came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value computer software & applications schools. College Of Lake County is a very large public school located in the suburb of Grayslake. Students from in state pay about $4,788 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,400 for out-of-state students. Computer Software & Applications graduates carry a median of $9,785 in student loans. Early-career computer software & applications graduates make about $50,314. Set against $9,785 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Heartland Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in computer software & applications, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Normal, Heartland Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,550, while out-of-state students pay about $13,110. Students borrow a median of $13,266 to complete the computer software & applications program here. Early-career computer software & applications graduates make about $48,710. Set against $13,266 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Illinois State University came in at #6 for value in computer software & applications this year. Illinois State University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Normal. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Students borrow a median of $21,896 to complete the computer software & applications program here. Computer Software & Applications graduates of Illinois State University earn a median of $49,660 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,896 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Bradley University earned the #7 position for value in computer software & applications this year. Set in the city of Peoria, Bradley University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,160. Computer Software & Applications graduates carry a median of $26,380 in student loans. Early-career computer software & applications graduates make about $54,513. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bradley University admits about 77% of applicants.
Devry University Illinois placed #8 among the best values for computer software & applications. Located in the suburb of Lisle, Devry University Illinois is a very large private for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $17,008 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for computer software & applications graduates is $33,791. Soon after graduation, computer software & applications degree recipients from Devry University Illinois generally make around $32,832. That is a strong return on a $33,791 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%.
Depaul University came in at #9 for value in computer software & applications this year. Located in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,405. Students borrow a median of $23,249 to complete the computer software & applications program here. Computer Software & Applications graduates of Depaul University earn a median of $84,986 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,249 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.
More Computer Software & Applications Rankings
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced 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 · 9 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.
