by our College Data Analytics Team
[Computer Programming](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-programming/) 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 21 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value computer programming schools.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in computer programming, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in computer programming, no school beat Clover Park Technical College this year. Located in the city of Lakewood, Clover Park Technical College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $6,634 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $15,154 to complete the computer programming program here. Early-career computer programming graduates make about $42,209. That is a strong return on a $15,154 median debt.
Lake Washington Institute Of Technology came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value computer programming schools. Set in the suburb of Kirkland, Lake Washington Institute Of Technology is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,997 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,062 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,695 to complete the computer programming program here. Early-career computer programming graduates make about $60,000. Set against $19,695 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Seattle Community College Central Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in computer programming, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Seattle, Seattle Community College Central Campus is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,238, while out-of-state students pay about $5,796. Typical student debt for computer programming graduates is $14,699. Computer Programming graduates of Seattle Community College Central Campus earn a median of $53,048 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Seattle Community College North Campus came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value computer programming schools. Set in the city of Seattle, Seattle Community College North Campus is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,238, while out-of-state students pay about $5,796. Typical student debt for computer programming graduates is $19,504. Soon after graduation, computer programming degree recipients from Seattle Community College North Campus generally make around $48,739. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Bellevue College earned it the #5 place for computer programming. Located in the city of Bellevue, Bellevue College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,436, compared with $10,502 for out-of-state students. Computer Programming graduates carry a median of $18,839 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computer programming degree recipients from Bellevue College generally make around $67,771. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
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Green River Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value computer programming schools. Green River Community College is a large public school located in the city of Auburn. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,711, compared with $5,263 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $50,712 ten years out.
Cascadia Community College placed #7 among the best values for computer programming. Cascadia Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Bothell. In-state tuition and fees average $5,157, while out-of-state students pay about $11,296. Students borrow a median of $7,000 to complete the computer programming program here. Early-career computer programming graduates make about $27,352. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Edmonds Community College landed the #8 spot for computer programming value this year. Edmonds Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Lynnwood. Students from in state pay about $4,810 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,875. Typical student debt for computer programming graduates is $16,025. Computer Programming graduates of Edmonds Community College earn a median of $35,618 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 21 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.