Top 3 Highest ROI Computer Science Programs 2025
University of California-Berkeley
994 Computer Science graduates annually, 96% graduation rate
Cornell University
507 Computer Science graduates annually, 95% graduation rate
Columbia University in the City of New York
391 Computer Science graduates annually, 100% graduation rate
- 1.Public universities dominate value rankings with median ROI of 1,420% vs 850% at private institutions (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.Top value programs offer payback periods under 3.5 years compared to 8+ years at high-cost private schools (PayScale 2024)
- 3.Georgia Tech, UT Austin, and University of Washington deliver top-5 program quality at public school pricing (BLS 2024)
- 4.CS graduates from value programs earn reaching $165,000 mid-career (IPEDS 2023)
Computer Science ROI Overview: Public Programs Lead Value Rankings
Computer science offers exceptional return on investment, but program costs vary dramatically. Our analysis of 742 ABET-accredited programs reveals that public universities consistently deliver the highest ROI, with top programs generating over 1,800% returns based on IPEDS 2023 cost data and BLS 2024 salary outcomes.
The highest value programs combine affordable tuition with strong career outcomes. University of Texas at Austin leads with 1,840% ROI, while Georgia Tech and University of Washington round out the top three. These programs demonstrate that prestigious CS education doesn't require private school pricing.
Value extends beyond tuition costs. Top ROI programs offer strong career outcomes, with graduates earning -$102,000. Combined with graduation rates above 85%, these programs provide both educational quality and financial returns that justify the investment.
Detailed Program Analysis: Top Value Leaders
The following spotlights examine the top 5 value programs in detail, analyzing their unique strengths, student outcomes, and why they deliver exceptional ROI. Each program combines affordable pricing with strong career preparation and industry connections.
Detailed Program Analysis: Top Value Leaders
The following spotlights examine the top 5 value programs in detail, analyzing their unique strengths, student outcomes, and why they deliver exceptional ROI. Each program combines affordable pricing with strong career preparation and industry connections.
Top 50 Computer Science Programs by ROI
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | Public | — | — | — | — |
| 2 | Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private | — | — | — | — |
| 3 | Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | Private | — | — | — | — |
| 4 | University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | — | — | — | — |
| 5 | University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | Public | — | — | — | — |
| 6 | University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | Public | — | — | — | — |
| 7 | University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | — | — | — | — |
| 8 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | — | — | — | — |
| 9 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | — | — | — | — |
| 10 | University of California-Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz, CA | Public | — | — | — | — |
| 11 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | Public | — | — | — | — |
| 12 | University of California-Davis | Davis, CA | Public | — | — | — | — |
| 13 | Brown University | Providence, RI | Private | — | — | — | — |
| 14 | Princeton University | Princeton, NJ | Private | — | — | — | — |
| 15 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | — | — | — | — |
| 16 | Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN | Private | — | — | — | — |
| 17 | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | San Luis Obispo, CA | Public | — | — | — | — |
| 18 | University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Amherst, MA | Public | — | — | — | — |
| 19 | Oregon State University | Corvallis, OR | Public | — | — | — | — |
| 20 | Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | Public | — | — | — | — |
| 21 | Washington University in St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Private | — | — | — | — |
| 22 | Tufts University | Medford, MA | Private | — | — | — | — |
| 23 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, MA | Private | — | — | — | — |
| 24 | University of California-Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara, CA | Public | — | — | — | — |
| 25 | Stanford University | Stanford, CA | Private | — | — | — | — |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Compare Top 5 Computer Science Programs
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | 100.0 |
| #2 Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private | $65,204 | 95% | 89.3 |
| #3 Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | Private | $64,526 | 100% | 88.2 |
| #4 University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | 87.0 |
| #5 University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | Public | $9,889 | 84% | 85.7 |
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,834 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 994 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 12%
- • Ranking Score: 100.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 994 computer science graduates annually
- Located in CA with median salary of $145,770
- Public institution with 12% acceptance rate
- Overall score: 100.0 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 for Computer Science based on graduation rate (96%), program size (994 graduates), state salary outcomes, and selectivity (12% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UC Berkeley offers one of the strongest computer science research and instructional programs in the world, where regular faculty teach courses and exceptional teachers are also exceptional researchers. The program provides close proximity to Silicon Valley and the vibrant California high-tech economy, with strong industry ties that enliven the curriculum and provide research and job opportunities.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Rankings & Recognition
- one of the strongest research and instructional programs in this field anywhere in the world
- one of the most distinguished institutions of higher learning
- world-renowned faculty
- consistently ranked as one of the world's premier research universities
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $65,204 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 507 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 8%
- • Ranking Score: 89.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 507 computer science graduates annually
- Located in NY with median salary of $130,710
- Private institution with 8% acceptance rate
- Overall score: 89.3 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 for Computer Science based on graduation rate (95%), program size (507 graduates), state salary outcomes, and selectivity (8% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Cornell offers top-ranked computer science programs with an interdisciplinary approach that allows students to design unique programs connecting computing to broader liberal arts or scientific interests. The program provides both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science options across multiple colleges.
Admission Prerequisites
- •4 of mathematics (2 of algebra, 1 of geometry, and 1 of calculus)
- •1 of chemistry
- •1 of physics
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: 89% employment rate within three months of graduation
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rankings & Recognition
- top-ranked academic disciplines
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $64,526 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 391 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 4%
- • Ranking Score: 88.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 391 computer science graduates annually
- Located in NY with median salary of $130,710
- Private institution with 4% acceptance rate
- Overall score: 88.2 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 for Computer Science based on graduation rate (100%), program size (391 graduates), state salary outcomes, and selectivity (4% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Computer Science program offers a flexible curriculum with a common core of fundamental topics supplemented by six electives, providing high degree of flexibility with three electives from area foundations and remaining from complete upper-level course list.
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, CA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,834 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 467 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 26%
- • Ranking Score: 87.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 467 computer science graduates annually
- Located in CA with median salary of $145,770
- Public institution with 26% acceptance rate
- Overall score: 87.0 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 for Computer Science based on graduation rate (96%), program size (467 graduates), state salary outcomes, and selectivity (26% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UCI offers a top-ranked Computer Science program with cutting-edge research opportunities and over 100 graduate academic programs, demonstrating the university's commitment to rigorous academics and innovation.
Rankings & Recognition
- top-ranked
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,889 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 84% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 873 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 45%
- • Ranking Score: 85.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- 873 computer science graduates annually
- Located in MD with median salary of $122,420
- Public institution with 45% acceptance rate
- Overall score: 85.7 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 for Computer Science based on graduation rate (84%), program size (873 graduates), state salary outcomes, and selectivity (45% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UMD Computer Science offers exceptional career outcomes with 96% job placement and $110,000 median starting salary, while providing comprehensive preparation through hands-on internship opportunities where 87% of graduates complete at least one internship. The program combines strong industry partnerships with major tech companies and government contractors, plus specialized tracks in high-demand areas like cybersecurity and data science.
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •CMSC 330: Organization of Programming Languages
- •CMSC 420: Data Structures
- •CMSC 451: Design and Analysis of Computer Algorithms
- •MATH 140: Calculus I
- •MATH 141: Calculus II
- •MATH 240: Linear Algebra
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.5
- Transfer Friendly
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $$110,000
- Job Placement: 96%
- Top Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Outcomes: Strong Returns Across All Value Programs
Value programs consistently deliver strong career outcomes with graduates entering high-demand tech roles. The combination of solid technical preparation and lower debt loads allows graduates to pursue opportunities based on career goals rather than financial pressure.
Career Paths
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems. Most common career path for CS graduates.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex data to extract insights and build predictive models for business decisions.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299Develop artificial intelligence and machine learning systems and algorithms.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244Bridge development and operations teams, focusing on automation and infrastructure.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect computer systems and networks from security threats and breaches.
Value Programs by State
Texas
California
Georgia
Washington
Illinois
Virginia
North Carolina
Maryland
Financial Aid Strategies for Value Programs
Public universities offer additional value through generous financial aid and scholarship programs. In-state residents benefit from state grants and need-based aid that can reduce costs by 30-50%. Merit scholarships are also more accessible at public institutions compared to highly selective private schools.
Work-study programs and research assistantships provide both financial support and valuable experience. Many value programs offer paid undergraduate research opportunities that private schools reserve for graduate students. These experiences enhance both education quality and financial aid packages.
Choosing Your Best Value Program: Decision Framework
Selecting the optimal value program requires balancing multiple factors beyond cost and salary outcomes. Consider program strengths, geographic preferences, and career goals when making your decision. The highest ROI program may not be the best fit for your individual circumstances.
Which Should You Choose?
- You qualify for Texas residency
- You want maximum ROI (1,840%)
- Austin's startup ecosystem appeals to you
- You prefer a large research university environment
- You want strong alumni networks in both tech hubs and Texas
- You want direct access to Amazon/Microsoft
- Seattle's tech scene interests you
- You prefer a collaborative, less competitive environment
- Research in AI or systems is important
- You can handle the competitive admission process
- You want top-5 program quality at public prices
- Atlanta's growing tech sector appeals to you
- You thrive in rigorous academic environments
- Research opportunities are important
- You want excellent job placement (96%)
- You can afford higher UC tuition ($57K total)
- Biotech/AI intersection interests you
- You prefer California lifestyle and climate
- Research in emerging fields is priority
- You want highest starting salaries ($105K)
Frequently Asked Questions About Value CS Programs
Alternative High-Value Paths to Consider
While traditional four-year degrees offer the best overall value, alternative paths deserve consideration for specific circumstances. Coding bootcamps can provide faster entry to the field, though with more limited career progression potential. Online CS degrees offer similar ROI with greater flexibility for working adults.
Self-taught paths combined with technical certifications can also lead to strong careers, particularly in specialized areas like cloud computing or cybersecurity. However, the systematic education and networking opportunities of value programs typically provide better long-term prospects.
Total Cost Analysis: 4-Year Investment Breakdown
Understanding total costs requires analyzing more than tuition. Room and board, fees, and opportunity costs significantly impact ROI calculations. Value programs excel by minimizing total expenses while maximizing earning potential.
Why Public Universities Dominate ROI Rankings
Public universities capture 18 of the top 20 ROI positions due to their combination of affordable tuition and strong career outcomes. University of Texas at Austin exemplifies this value proposition with $98,000 starting salaries at just $10,824 annual tuition for in-state students.
These programs benefit from state funding that subsidizes education costs while maintaining research excellence. Georgia Tech ranks among the top 5 CS programs nationally while charging public school prices. Students receive world-class education without the premium pricing of elite private institutions.
Location advantages amplify ROI at programs like University of Washington, where proximity to Amazon and Microsoft headquarters creates abundant internship and job opportunities. Seattle's competitive tech market drives starting salaries above $100,000, maximizing the return on educational investment.
Student Perspectives: Value Beyond Numbers
Current students and recent graduates consistently emphasize that value extends beyond financial ROI. Top value programs create collaborative environments where students support each other through challenging coursework while building lifelong professional networks. These relationships often prove as valuable as the technical education itself.
Based on 742 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Science degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific computer science salaries from BLS OES 2024
Data Sources & Methodology
Tuition, graduation rates, and institutional characteristics for all 742 ABET-accredited CS programs
Occupational employment and wage statistics for software developers and related CS careers
Starting and mid-career salary data for CS graduates by institution
Graduate earnings and debt levels by program and institution
Related Computer Science Resources
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.