2026 Best Value Mathematics & Computer Science Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

University Of Illinois At Springfield
Springfield, IL

For return on investment in mathematics & computer science, no school beat University Of Illinois At Springfield this year. Located in the city of Springfield, University Of Illinois At Springfield is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $12,557 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,139. Typical student debt for mathematics & computer science graduates is $24,925. Soon after graduation, mathematics & computer science degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Springfield generally make around $53,344. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

University Of Illinois At Chicago came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value mathematics & computer science schools. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,949, with out-of-state students paying around $32,009. Students borrow a median of $19,750 to complete the mathematics & computer science program here. Mathematics & Computer Science graduates of University Of Illinois At Chicago earn a median of $44,143 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Chicago admits about 77% of applicants.

3

University Of Akron Main Campus
Akron, OH

University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value mathematics & computer science schools. Located in the city of Akron, University Of Akron Main Campus is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,813 to complete the mathematics & computer science program here. Soon after graduation, mathematics & computer science degree recipients from University Of Akron Main Campus generally make around $68,137. That is a strong return on a $24,813 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants.

4

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

A rank of #4 makes University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign one of the best values for mathematics & computer science. Located in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,350 to complete the mathematics & computer science program here. Early-career mathematics & computer science graduates make about $109,843. That is a strong return on a $23,350 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants.

5

Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI

Students looking for strong value in mathematics & computer science will find it at Grand Valley State University, which ranked #5. Set in the town of Allendale, Grand Valley State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Students borrow a median of $26,378 to complete the mathematics & computer science program here. Early-career mathematics & computer science graduates make about $50,179. Set against $26,378 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.

6

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI

Western Michigan University landed the #6 spot for mathematics & computer science value this year. Located in the city of Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Typical student debt for mathematics & computer science graduates is $27,981. Soon after graduation, mathematics & computer science degree recipients from Western Michigan University generally make around $48,966. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Michigan University admits about 85% of applicants.

7

Illinois Institute Of Technology
Chicago, IL

Illinois Institute Of Technology landed the #7 spot for mathematics & computer science value this year. Set in the city of Chicago, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,202. Students borrow a median of $26,774 to complete the mathematics & computer science program here. Soon after graduation, mathematics & computer science degree recipients from Illinois Institute Of Technology generally make around $71,315. Set against $26,774 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.