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.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 15 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for computer science students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in computer science, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Chesapeake College the best value for a degree in computer science in Maryland. Located in the rural area of Wye Mills, Chesapeake College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,274, with out-of-state students paying around $8,768. Typical student debt for computer science graduates is $8,380. Early-career computer science graduates make about $52,395. Set against $8,380 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in computer science will find it at Morgan State University, which ranked #2. Morgan State University is a large public school located in the city of Baltimore. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,229, with out-of-state students paying around $19,124. Students borrow a median of $30,309 to complete the computer science program here. Early-career computer science graduates make about $49,736. Set against $30,309 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.
Students looking for strong value in computer science will find it at University Of Maryland College Park, which ranked #3. Set in the suburb of College Park, University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Typical student debt for computer science graduates is $20,000. Soon after graduation, computer science degree recipients from University Of Maryland College Park generally make around $99,756. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%.
Frostburg State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value computer science schools. Set in the town of Frostburg, Frostburg State University is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,220, while out-of-state students pay about $25,814. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the computer science program here. Soon after graduation, computer science degree recipients from Frostburg State University generally make around $54,349. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
Towson University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in computer science, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Towson, Towson University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,728, compared with $29,820 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,340 to complete the computer science program here. Early-career computer science graduates make about $78,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Towson University admits about 82% of applicants.
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University Of Maryland Baltimore County came in at #6 for value in computer science this year. University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a large public school located in the suburb of Baltimore. In-state tuition and fees average $13,256, compared with $31,225 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for computer science graduates is $20,000. Computer Science graduates of University Of Maryland Baltimore County earn a median of $83,684 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Maryland Baltimore County admits about 72% of applicants.
Hood College came in at #7 for value in computer science this year. Set in the city of Frederick, Hood College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $47,700 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for computer science graduates is $24,703. Soon after graduation, computer science degree recipients from Hood College generally make around $59,332. That is a strong return on a $24,703 median debt. Hood College admits about 78% of applicants.
Loyola University Baltimore earned the #8 position for value in computer science this year. Located in the city of Baltimore, Loyola University Baltimore is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $57,150. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the computer science program here. Soon after graduation, computer science degree recipients from Loyola University Baltimore generally make around $61,017. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
The ranking above is published 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 · 15 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.