2026 Best Value Mathematics & Computer Science Schools in the Great Lakes Region
[Mathematics & Computer Science](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/math-computer-science/mathematics-and-computer-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 22 schools to find the best return on investment for mathematics & computer science students.
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Featured Mathematics & Computer Science Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
AS in Computer Science
Learn the applied programming skills needed to fill in-demand tech roles when you earn your online AS in Computer Science at Southern New Hampshire University.
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BA in Mathematics
If you have a knack for mathematics and an interest in learning more, study online to achieve your career goals at Southern New Hampshire University. Our mathematics degree can help you enhance your mathematical abilities, including reasoning and problem-solving in three areas: analysis, algebra and statistics.
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BA in Mathematics - Applied Mathematics
Put mathematical concepts to work to solve today's most complex real-world problems by studying applied mathematics with this specialized online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
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2026 Best Value Mathematics & Computer Science Schools in the Great Lakes Region
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the mathematics & computer science degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Mathematics & Computer Science Schools
For return on investment in mathematics & computer science, no school beat University Of Illinois At Springfield this year. Located in the city of Springfield, University Of Illinois At Springfield is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $12,557 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,139. Typical student debt for mathematics & computer science graduates is $24,925. Soon after graduation, mathematics & computer science degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Springfield generally make around $53,344. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Illinois At Chicago came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value mathematics & computer science schools. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,949, with out-of-state students paying around $32,009. Students borrow a median of $19,750 to complete the mathematics & computer science program here. Mathematics & Computer Science graduates of University Of Illinois At Chicago earn a median of $44,143 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Chicago admits about 77% of applicants.
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value mathematics & computer science schools. Located in the city of Akron, University Of Akron Main Campus is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,813 to complete the mathematics & computer science program here. Soon after graduation, mathematics & computer science degree recipients from University Of Akron Main Campus generally make around $68,137. That is a strong return on a $24,813 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants.
A rank of #4 makes University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign one of the best values for mathematics & computer science. Located in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,350 to complete the mathematics & computer science program here. Early-career mathematics & computer science graduates make about $109,843. That is a strong return on a $23,350 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in mathematics & computer science will find it at Grand Valley State University, which ranked #5. Set in the town of Allendale, Grand Valley State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Students borrow a median of $26,378 to complete the mathematics & computer science program here. Early-career mathematics & computer science graduates make about $50,179. Set against $26,378 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.
Western Michigan University landed the #6 spot for mathematics & computer science value this year. Located in the city of Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Typical student debt for mathematics & computer science graduates is $27,981. Soon after graduation, mathematics & computer science degree recipients from Western Michigan University generally make around $48,966. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Michigan University admits about 85% of applicants.
Illinois Institute Of Technology landed the #7 spot for mathematics & computer science value this year. Set in the city of Chicago, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,202. Students borrow a median of $26,774 to complete the mathematics & computer science program here. Soon after graduation, mathematics & computer science degree recipients from Illinois Institute Of Technology generally make around $71,315. Set against $26,774 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.
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Notes and References
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 · 22 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
