by our College Data Analytics Team
[Computer Science](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-science/) 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 16 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value computer science schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the computer science degrees they offer, see the list below.
For return on investment in computer science, no school beat Front Range Community College this year. Front Range Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Westminster. Students from in state pay about $4,663 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,263 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for computer science graduates is $17,384. Early-career computer science graduates make about $40,414. That is a strong return on a $17,384 median debt.
Metropolitan State College Of Denver is a great value for students pursuing a degree in computer science, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Denver, Metropolitan State College Of Denver is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,124, compared with $30,684 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for computer science graduates is $22,736. Computer Science graduates of Metropolitan State College Of Denver earn a median of $73,874 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,736 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%.
Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value computer science schools. Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs is a very large private for-profit school located in the city of Colorado Springs. In-state tuition and fees average $12,750. Typical student debt for computer science graduates is $44,014. Computer Science graduates of Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs earn a median of $89,894 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value computer science schools. University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs is a large public school located in the city of Colorado Springs. In-state tuition and fees average $10,906, while out-of-state students pay about $25,039. Computer Science graduates carry a median of $26,863 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computer science degree recipients from University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs generally make around $77,761. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs admits about 97% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in computer science will find it at University Of Colorado Boulder, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Boulder, University Of Colorado Boulder is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,214, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. Computer Science graduates carry a median of $19,974 in student loans. Early-career computer science graduates make about $77,385. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
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Regis University earned the #6 position for value in computer science this year. Set in the city of Denver, Regis University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $28,140 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for computer science graduates is $30,389. Early-career computer science graduates make about $75,501. That is a strong return on a $30,389 median debt. Regis University admits about 86% of applicants.
Colorado School Of Mines landed the #7 spot for computer science value this year. Set in the suburb of Golden, Colorado School Of Mines is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $21,914 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $45,824. Computer Science graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Early-career computer science graduates make about $94,477. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%.
University Of Denver landed the #8 spot for computer science value this year. Located in the city of Denver, University Of Denver is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,398. Typical student debt for computer science graduates is $22,000. Early-career computer science graduates make about $72,250. Set against $22,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% 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 · 16 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.