by our College Data Analytics Team
[Data Processing](/majors/computer-information-sciences/data-processing/) 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 20 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value data processing schools.
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in data processing, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in data processing, no school beat El Centro College this year. Located in the city of Dallas, El Centro College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $2,730 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,900 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for data processing graduates is $10,718. Data Processing graduates of El Centro College earn a median of $38,457 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,718 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in data processing will find it at San Juan College, which ranked #2. Set in the rural area of Farmington, San Juan College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,910, with out-of-state students paying around $5,393. Data Processing graduates carry a median of $16,150 in student loans. Soon after graduation, data processing degree recipients from San Juan College generally make around $41,697. That is a strong return on a $16,150 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at New Mexico State University Dona Ana earned it the #3 place for data processing. Located in the city of Las Cruces, New Mexico State University Dona Ana is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,322, while out-of-state students pay about $6,360. Data Processing graduates carry a median of $9,750 in student loans. Data Processing graduates of New Mexico State University Dona Ana earn a median of $38,559 early in their careers. Set against $9,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in data processing will find it at Lee College, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Baytown, Lee College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,520, while out-of-state students pay about $5,045. Students borrow a median of $10,941 to complete the data processing program here. Early-career data processing graduates make about $53,448. Set against $10,941 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Lone Star College System earned it the #5 place for data processing. Located in the city of The Woodlands, Lone Star College System is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,664, compared with $7,512 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for data processing graduates is $10,425. Early-career data processing graduates make about $39,954. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
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This ranking is produced 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 · 20 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
