- 1.Software Developers earn a median salary of $136,620 with 25% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Computer Science programs include Florida Atlantic University, University of Florida, University of Central Florida based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: Florida Atlantic University offers computer science education at $2,522/year with 77% graduation rate
- 4.25 accredited Computer Science programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Computer Science Programs - Top 10 Most Affordable
Florida Atlantic University
N/A computer science graduates annually
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 for Computer Science based on 77% graduation rate, strong graduates, and overall score of undefined/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 77% graduation rate
- Accredited institution
University of Florida
N/A computer science graduates annually
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 for Computer Science based on 95% graduation rate, strong graduates, and overall score of undefined/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- Accredited institution
University of Central Florida
N/A computer science graduates annually
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 for Computer Science based on 93% graduation rate, strong graduates, and overall score of undefined/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- Accredited institution
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
N/A computer science graduates annually
Florida Polytechnic University
N/A computer science graduates annually
North Carolina A & T State University
N/A computer science graduates annually
University of South Florida
N/A computer science graduates annually
Middle Georgia State University
N/A computer science graduates annually
University of West Florida
N/A computer science graduates annually
University of North Florida
N/A computer science graduates annually
Best Computer Science Programs - Compare Top 5 Most Affordable
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | Public | $2,522 | 77% | N/A |
| #2 University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | Public | $4,477 | 95% | N/A |
| #3 University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | Public | $4,478 | 93% | N/A |
| #4 University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | Public | $3,812 | 76% | N/A |
| #5 Florida Polytechnic University | Lakeland, FL | Public | $3,152 | 81% | N/A |
Top 25 Most Affordable Computer Science Programs 2026
| Rank | Institution | Location | Tuition | Value Score | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | $2,522 | 251.9 | 77% |
| 2 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | $4,477 | 204.3 | 95% |
| 3 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | $4,478 | 199.6 | 93% |
| 4 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | $3,812 | 187.7 | 76% |
| 5 | Florida Polytechnic University | Lakeland, FL | $3,152 | 186.5 | 81% |
| 6 | North Carolina A & T State University | Greensboro, NC | $3,540 | 183.9 | 84% |
| 7 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | $4,559 | 168.1 | 85% |
| 8 | Middle Georgia State University | Macon, GA | $3,600 | 156.9 | 96% |
| 9 | University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | $3,735 | 149.9 | 84% |
| 10 | University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | $3,996 | 148.7 | 82% |
| 11 | University of Florida-Online | Gainesville, FL | $3,358 | 146.1 | 65% |
| 12 | University of North Georgia | Dahlonega, GA | $4,230 | 143.1 | 100% |
| 13 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, GA | $4,450 | 139.1 | 66% |
| 14 | Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA | $4,371 | 138.7 | 94% |
| 15 | Bellevue College | Bellevue, WA | $4,074 | 138.1 | 96% |
| 16 | Albany State University | Albany, GA | $4,064 | 137 | 99% |
| 17 | University of North Carolina Wilmington | Wilmington, NC | $4,443 | 134.9 | 79% |
| 18 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | $7,019 | 130.8 | 93% |
| 19 | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | San Luis Obispo, CA | $5,742 | 130.2 | 100% |
| 20 | University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | Norman, OK | $5,070 | 130.2 | 88% |
| 21 | San Diego State University | San Diego, CA | $5,742 | 129.6 | 83% |
| 22 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | Raleigh, NC | $6,535 | 123.4 | 85% |
| 23 | Grambling State University | Grambling, LA | $5,140 | 123.4 | 99% |
| 24 | Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | $7,158 | 119.4 | 94% |
| 25 | Appalachian State University | Boone, NC | $4,242 | 117.7 | 78% |
Affordable Computer Science Degrees: Quality Education Without the Debt
Computer Science education doesn't require six-figure debt. Our analysis of accredited programs reveals exceptional value opportunities, with the most affordable in-state programs delivering quality education at a fraction of private school costs.
Public universities in Southern and Western states lead our affordable rankings, offering strong academics with affordable tuition. These programs maintain competitive graduation rates, industry partnerships, and excellent job placement—proving that cost doesn't determine quality in computer science education.
Our methodology prioritizes total value by calculating a Value Score that divides academic quality metrics by tuition cost. This ensures we're recommending programs that deliver the best education for your dollar, not just the cheapest options regardless of quality. See our full ranking methodology for details on how we calculate Value Scores.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Design and develop applications, systems, and software solutions
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex data to help organizations make informed decisions
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect organizations from digital threats and security breaches
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1252Bridge development and operations to streamline software delivery
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299Develop and implement artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions
Computer Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Study an organization's computer systems and recommend improvements
Most Affordable States for Computer Science Education
North Carolina
Florida
Louisiana
Oklahoma
California
Idaho
Montana
Nebraska
Utah
New Mexico
New York
Georgia
Texas
Arkansas
Financial Aid Strategies for Affordable CS Programs
Even the most affordable CS programs become more accessible through strategic financial aid planning. Students can further reduce costs through scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities specifically available to STEM majors.
Federal and state aid programs often provide substantial support for CS students, while merit-based scholarships recognize academic achievement. Many affordable programs offer additional aid to attract top students, creating opportunities for near-zero net costs.
- Complete FAFSA early to maximize federal and state aid eligibility - many programs offer need-based grants
- Research state-specific STEM scholarships - many Western states offer substantial aid to retain tech talent
- Apply for university merit scholarships - affordable programs often compete for top students with generous packages
- Explore employer tuition assistance - many tech companies offer education benefits for current employees
- Consider work-study positions in CS departments - gain experience while reducing costs
- Investigate regional exchange programs - some states offer reduced tuition to neighboring state residents
Top Affordable Programs Analysis: Quality Without Compromise
The most affordable computer science programs deliver exceptional value through strategic cost management while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Public universities dominate the top 20 affordable programs, leveraging state funding and efficient operations to keep tuition below $8,000 annually.
Geographic patterns reveal cost advantages in Western and Midwest states, where lower cost of living translates to reduced operational expenses. Universities like Wyoming, North Dakota, and Arkansas offer world-class computer science education at prices that make a debt-free graduation realistic for most students.
These affordable programs maintain identical ABET accreditation standards, ensuring graduates meet industry requirements for software engineering positions and advanced study. Students access the same fundamental coursework in algorithms, systems design, and programming that prepares them for technical interviews and professional success.
Choosing Your Affordable CS Program: Decision Framework
- Minimizing debt is your top priority
- You're comfortable with smaller program sizes
- Geographic location is flexible
- You value close faculty relationships
- You want balance of cost and program size
- Regional industry connections matter
- You prefer moderate-sized university settings
- Specialized tracks appeal to you
- Brand recognition has value for your goals
- You want access to top-tier recruiters
- Research opportunities are important
- Graduate school is a possibility
Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable CS Programs
Based on 257 programs from IPEDS 2023 (tuition $2K-$35K, 40%+ grad rate, 10+ graduates)
Our Best Value algorithm calculates Value Score = Quality Score / (Tuition / $10,000). This rewards schools delivering quality education at reasonable prices.
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023, weighted at 35% of the Quality Score
Number of Computer Science graduates indicating program resources and faculty (IPEDS 2023)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
R1 research universities receive bonus points for institutional quality
Data Sources and Methodology
Official source for tuition data (ic2023_ay), graduation rates (gr2023), and institutional characteristics (hd2023) for all accredited institutions
Occupational employment and wage statistics (OEWS) May 2024 for computer science career salary data and job growth projections
Verification of program accreditation status for all ranked computer science programs
Additional institutional data including student debt levels and post-graduation employment outcomes where available
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.