by our College Data Analytics Team
[Computational Science](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/computational-science/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 9 schools to find the best return on investment for computational science students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the computational science degrees they offer, see the list below.
Pennsylvania State University World Campus earned the #1 spot for value among computational science schools in Pennsylvania. Set in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,356. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. Pennsylvania State University World Campus admits about 91% of applicants.
A rank of #2 makes Robert Morris University one of the best values for computational science. Located in the suburb of Moon Township, Robert Morris University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,770. Students borrow a median of $26,748 to complete the computational science program here. Computational Science graduates of Robert Morris University earn a median of $58,900 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,748 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Pennsylvania is a great value for students pursuing a degree in computational science, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. Computational Science graduates carry a median of $16,155 in student loans. Computational Science graduates of University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $99,682 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted.
Carnegie Mellon University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value computational science schools. Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pittsburgh. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. Computational Science graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computational science degree recipients from Carnegie Mellon University generally make around $89,327. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted.
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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 · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.