by our College Data Analytics Team
[Computer Science](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-science/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 16 schools to find the best return on investment for computer science students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the computer science degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Lane Community College the best value for a degree in computer science in Oregon. Lane Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Eugene. In-state tuition and fees average $6,202, while out-of-state students pay about $13,078. Typical student debt for computer science graduates is $18,373. Early-career computer science graduates make about $60,759. Set against $18,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #2 makes Clackamas Community College one of the best values for computer science. Clackamas Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Oregon City. In-state tuition and fees average $6,345, while out-of-state students pay about $14,265. Computer Science graduates carry a median of $13,915 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computer science degree recipients from Clackamas Community College generally make around $31,280. Set against $13,915 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Portland State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value computer science schools. Set in the city of Portland, Portland State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,118, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. Typical student debt for computer science graduates is $31,000. Early-career computer science graduates make about $91,978. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Portland State University admits about 91% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Oregon State University earned it the #4 place for computer science. Oregon State University is a very large public school located in the city of Corvallis. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,190. Computer Science graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Early-career computer science graduates make about $85,376. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oregon State University admits about 77% of applicants.
Willamette University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value computer science schools. Willamette University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Salem. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,156. Computer Science graduates carry a median of $22,537 in student loans. Early-career computer science graduates make about $80,077. That is a strong return on a $22,537 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%.
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Pacific University placed #6 among the best values for computer science. Located in the suburb of Forest Grove, Pacific University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $56,374. Computer Science graduates carry a median of $26,170 in student loans. Early-career computer science graduates make about $60,850. That is a strong return on a $26,170 median debt. Pacific University admits about 90% of applicants.
Lewis And Clark College placed #7 among the best values for computer science. Lewis And Clark College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Portland. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,828. Typical student debt for computer science graduates is $24,000. Computer Science graduates of Lewis And Clark College earn a median of $66,653 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Portland earned the #8 position for value in computer science this year. University Of Portland is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Portland. Students from in state pay about $58,100 in tuition and fees. Computer Science graduates carry a median of $22,590 in student loans. Computer Science graduates of University Of Portland earn a median of $85,637 early in their careers. Set against $22,590 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Portland admits about 89% of applicants.
This list is compiled 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 · 16 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.