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DEBUG: Checking offer "Software Development & Engineering (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Software Development & Engineering (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Software Development & Engineering (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Software Development & Engineering (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Software Engineering Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Software Engineering Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Information Technology - Software Application Development" with relevance 1
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2026 Best Value Computer Software & Applications Schools in the Great Lakes Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in computer software & applications, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Computer Software & Applications Schools
Our analysis ranked Moraine Valley Community College the best value for a degree in computer software & applications in the Great Lakes Region. Located in the suburb of Palos Hills, Moraine Valley Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,822, compared with $9,846 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for computer software & applications graduates is $11,149. Soon after graduation, computer software & applications degree recipients from Moraine Valley Community College generally make around $43,844. Set against $11,149 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #2 makes Henry Ford Community College one of the best values for computer software & applications. Located in the city of Dearborn, Henry Ford Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $3,568 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,816. Computer Software & Applications graduates carry a median of $18,876 in student loans. Early-career computer software & applications graduates make about $36,247. That is a strong return on a $18,876 median debt.
Lorain County Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in computer software & applications, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Elyria, Lorain County Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,265 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,860 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for computer software & applications graduates is $17,611. Soon after graduation, computer software & applications degree recipients from Lorain County Community College generally make around $40,095. Set against $17,611 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #4 makes Washtenaw Community College one of the best values for computer software & applications. Washtenaw Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Ann Arbor. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,736, with out-of-state students paying around $6,504. Computer Software & Applications graduates carry a median of $17,616 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computer software & applications degree recipients from Washtenaw Community College generally make around $45,332. That is a strong return on a $17,616 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in computer software & applications will find it at Cuyahoga Community College District, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Cleveland, Cuyahoga Community College District is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,249, with out-of-state students paying around $7,249. Typical student debt for computer software & applications graduates is $14,636. Computer Software & Applications graduates of Cuyahoga Community College District earn a median of $39,394 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
ADBLOCK #101
Macomb Community College earned the #6 position for value in computer software & applications this year. Set in the city of Warren, Macomb Community College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,660 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,370. Computer Software & Applications graduates carry a median of $9,862 in student loans. Computer Software & Applications graduates of Macomb Community College earn a median of $38,758 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,862 median debt.
Joliet Junior College came in at #7 for value in computer software & applications this year. Located in the suburb of Joliet, Joliet Junior College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,530, with out-of-state students paying around $13,800. Typical student debt for computer software & applications graduates is $11,995. Computer Software & Applications graduates of Joliet Junior College earn a median of $40,118 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
College Of Dupage ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value computer software & applications schools. College Of Dupage is a very large public school located in the suburb of Glen Ellyn. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,560, while out-of-state students pay about $12,750. Typical student debt for computer software & applications graduates is $12,492. Soon after graduation, computer software & applications degree recipients from College Of Dupage generally make around $43,025. That is a strong return on a $12,492 median debt.
Elgin Community College landed the #9 spot for computer software & applications value this year. Set in the city of Elgin, Elgin Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,252, while out-of-state students pay about $9,516. Students borrow a median of $7,727 to complete the computer software & applications program here. Soon after graduation, computer software & applications degree recipients from Elgin Community College generally make around $43,975. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Prairie State College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value computer software & applications schools. Prairie State College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Chicago Heights. Students from in state pay about $4,176 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,064 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,663 to complete the computer software & applications program here. Computer Software & Applications graduates of Prairie State College earn a median of $37,500 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
[Computer Software & Applications](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-software-and-apps/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong computer software & applications education at a price that pays off.
