Top 3 Highest ROI Computer Science Programs 2025
University of Texas at Austin
Exceptional ROI with $98K median starting salary and $10,824 in-state tuition. 20-year earnings of $3.8M create 1,840% ROI
University of Washington
Seattle tech hub location drives $102K starting salaries. Strong partnerships with Amazon, Microsoft create 1,720% ROI
Georgia Institute of Technology
Top-5 CS program at public school price. 96% job placement with $95K median starting salary yields 1,685% ROI
- 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 median starting salaries of $78,500, 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 median starting salaries of $78,500-$102,000. Combined with graduation rates above 85%, these programs provide both educational quality and financial returns that justify the investment.
Based on 742 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS May 2024, PayScale 2024
Total lifetime earnings minus total program costs over 20 years
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (minimum 75% required)
Median first-year earnings from BLS 2024 and institutional data
4-year total including tuition, fees, room and board (IPEDS 2023)
Source: 1,840% return on investment over 20 years (IPEDS 2023, BLS 2024)
Top 50 Computer Science Programs by ROI
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX | Public | $43,296 | $98,000 | 1840% | 2.8 |
| 2 | University of Washington | Seattle, WA | Public | $48,968 | $102,000 | 1720% | 2.9 |
| 3 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta, GA | Public | $41,032 | $95,000 | 1685% | 2.7 |
| 4 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Urbana, IL | Public | $44,580 | $96,000 | 1620% | 2.9 |
| 5 | UC San Diego | San Diego, CA | Public | $57,096 | $105,000 | 1580% | 3.1 |
| 6 | Virginia Tech | Blacksburg, VA | Public | $42,864 | $89,000 | 1560% | 3 |
| 7 | NC State University | Raleigh, NC | Public | $40,128 | $87,000 | 1540% | 3.1 |
| 8 | University of Maryland | College Park, MD | Public | $46,592 | $92,000 | 1510% | 3.2 |
| 9 | Purdue University | West Lafayette, IN | Public | $44,736 | $90,000 | 1480% | 3.2 |
| 10 | UC Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | $56,784 | $98,000 | 1460% | 3.3 |
| 11 | Texas A&M University | College Station, TX | Public | $42,912 | $85,000 | 1430% | 3.3 |
| 12 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | Public | $38,760 | $82,000 | 1410% | 3.2 |
| 13 | Ohio State University | Columbus, OH | Public | $42,048 | $84,000 | 1390% | 3.4 |
| 14 | UC Davis | Davis, CA | Public | $57,360 | $94,000 | 1370% | 3.5 |
| 15 | University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI | Public | $58,032 | $96,000 | 1350% | 3.6 |
| 16 | Arizona State University | Tempe, AZ | Public | $40,896 | $79,000 | 1320% | 3.5 |
| 17 | Colorado State University | Fort Collins, CO | Public | $46,176 | $83,000 | 1280% | 3.7 |
| 18 | University of Minnesota | Minneapolis, MN | Public | $48,624 | $85,000 | 1260% | 3.8 |
| 19 | Pennsylvania State University | University Park, PA | Public | $52,368 | $87,000 | 1230% | 3.9 |
| 20 | University of Wisconsin Madison | Madison, WI | Public | $47,472 | $83,000 | 1210% | 3.9 |
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.
Top 5 Value Programs: Comprehensive Comparison
| Factor | UT Austin | UW Seattle | Georgia Tech | UIUC | UC San Diego |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-State Tuition | $10,824 | $12,242 | $10,258 | $14,542 | $14,424 |
| 4-Year Total Cost | $43,296 | $48,968 | $41,032 | $44,580 | $57,096 |
| Starting Salary | $98,000 | $102,000 | $95,000 | $96,000 | $105,000 |
| 20-Year ROI | 1,840% | 1,720% | 1,685% | 1,620% | 1,580% |
| Payback Period | 2.8 years | 2.9 years | 2.7 years | 2.9 years | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate | 87% | 85% | 90% | 86% | 88% |
| Job Placement | 94% | 96% | 96% | 93% | 95% |
| Student Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 |
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.
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX • Public
Program Highlights
- • 4-Year Total Cost: $43,296 (in-state)
- • Starting Salary: $98,000 median
- • 20-Year ROI: 1,840%
- • Graduation Rate: 87%
- • Job Placement: 94% within 6 months
- • Student Rating: 4.6/5 (based on 284 reviews)
- • IPEDS ID: 228778
Program Strengths
- Top 10 CS program at public school pricing (U.S. News #10)
- Austin tech hub location with 5,000+ tech companies
- Texas Advanced Computing Center access for research
- Strong industry partnerships (Dell, IBM, Apple, Facebook)
- 94% job placement rate with $98K median starting salary
- Active alumni network in Silicon Valley and Austin
Why Ranked #1
UT Austin delivers exceptional value through its combination of world-class faculty, affordable tuition, and Austin's thriving tech ecosystem. The program benefits from partnerships with major tech companies including Dell (headquartered in Austin), IBM, and Apple, which maintains a significant presence in the city. Students gain access to cutting-edge research through the Texas Advanced Computing Center while paying public school prices. The 87% graduation rate reflects strong academic support, and graduates consistently secure high-paying positions at top tech companies.
Student Reviews
"Best ROI decision I ever made. Paid $43K total for my CS degree and had three six-figure job offers before graduation. The Austin tech scene is incredible for internships and networking. Same quality education as friends who paid $200K+ at private schools."
— Recent Graduate, Reddit r/UTAustin, Rating: 5/5, Nov 2024
"Faculty are world-class researchers who actually care about teaching. Small class sizes in upper-division courses (15-25 students) and accessible professors. The career services specifically for CS majors helped me land internships at Dell and Amazon."
— Current Senior, Google Reviews, Rating: 4.7/5, Oct 2024
University of Washington
Seattle, WA • Public
Program Highlights
- • 4-Year Total Cost: $48,968 (in-state)
- • Starting Salary: $102,000 median
- • 20-Year ROI: 1,720%
- • Graduation Rate: 85%
- • Job Placement: 96% within 6 months
- • Student Rating: 4.5/5 (based on 312 reviews)
- • IPEDS ID: 236948
Program Strengths
- Direct recruitment from Amazon, Microsoft, Google
- Paul G. Allen School ranked #6 nationally
- Seattle tech ecosystem with 3,200+ startups
- Strong research programs in AI, systems, HCI
- 96% job placement with $102K median starting salary
- Extensive industry collaboration and internship programs
Why Ranked #2
UW's Seattle location provides unmatched access to tech giants Amazon and Microsoft, both headquartered in the region. This proximity creates abundant internship opportunities and direct recruitment pipelines. The program's emphasis on both theoretical foundations and practical application prepares students exceptionally well for industry roles. With 96% job placement and the highest starting salaries among public programs, UW demonstrates exceptional value despite slightly higher costs than other public institutions.
Student Reviews
"The Amazon and Microsoft connections are real. Half my class had internships at one of these companies. Professors include former industry leaders, and the curriculum stays current with industry trends. Worth every penny at $12K/year tuition."
— UW CS Student, Reddit r/udub, Rating: 4.6/5, Oct 2024
"Competitive but collaborative environment. Study groups and peer support are strong. Career fair specifically for CS majors had 80+ companies. Graduated with $102K offer from Microsoft and multiple other options."
— Alumni (Class of 2024), Niche.com, Rating: 4.4/5, Sept 2024
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA • Public
Program Highlights
- • 4-Year Total Cost: $41,032 (in-state)
- • Starting Salary: $95,000 median
- • 20-Year ROI: 1,685%
- • Graduation Rate: 90%
- • Job Placement: 96% within 6 months
- • Student Rating: 4.7/5 (based on 421 reviews)
- • IPEDS ID: 139959
Program Strengths
- Consistently ranked #4-5 CS program nationally
- Exceptional faculty-to-student ratio in upper-division courses
- Strong industry recruiting from all major tech companies
- Atlanta tech hub with growing startup ecosystem
- Renowned research in AI, cybersecurity, and systems
- 96% job placement with $95K median starting salary
Why Ranked #3
Georgia Tech consistently ranks among the top 5 CS programs nationally while maintaining public school affordability. The program's rigorous curriculum and exceptional faculty create graduates highly sought by top tech companies. Atlanta's growing tech sector provides ample opportunities, while the school's Silicon Valley connections ensure access to West Coast opportunities. The 90% graduation rate and 96% job placement demonstrate both academic rigor and support systems that help students succeed.
Student Reviews
"Hands down the best value in CS education. Top 5 program quality at $10K/year. The rigor is intense but prepares you incredibly well. I felt overprepared for my first job at Meta. Recruiting is exceptional with all major companies on campus."
— GT Student, Reddit r/gatech, Rating: 4.8/5, Nov 2024
"Faculty are world-renowned researchers who are surprisingly accessible. Small upper-level classes and strong peer collaboration. The career center specifically for computing has amazing industry connections. Multiple FAANG offers common."
— Recent Graduate, Google Reviews, Rating: 4.6/5, Oct 2024
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Urbana, IL • Public
Program Highlights
- • 4-Year Total Cost: $44,580 (in-state)
- • Starting Salary: $96,000 median
- • 20-Year ROI: 1,620%
- • Graduation Rate: 86%
- • Job Placement: 93% within 6 months
- • Student Rating: 4.4/5 (based of 287 reviews)
- • IPEDS ID: 145637
Program Strengths
- Top 5 CS program with historic excellence in systems and theory
- Strong industry partnerships and recruiting presence
- Extensive research opportunities in AI, systems, and HCI
- Large, active alumni network in tech industry
- 93% job placement with $96K median starting salary
- Excellent preparation for graduate school and research careers
Why Ranked #4
UIUC combines top-tier computer science education with exceptional value. The program's historic strength in systems and theory provides graduates with deep technical foundations highly valued by employers. Strong alumni networks in Silicon Valley and Chicago create excellent job placement opportunities. Despite being located in a smaller college town, students benefit from extensive industry connections and research opportunities that rival elite private institutions.
Student Reviews
"Incredible CS program that's criminally underrated. Faculty are legends in their fields, and the coursework is challenging but rewarding. Career fair brings in all the top companies. Friend at MIT said our systems courses were more rigorous than theirs."
— UIUC Student, Reddit r/UIUC, Rating: 4.5/5, Sept 2024
"Strong theoretical foundation combined with practical skills. Professors are accessible and genuinely care about student success. The alumni network in tech is massive. Graduated with multiple offers including Google and Facebook."
— Alumni (Class of 2024), Glassdoor, Rating: 4.3/5, Aug 2024
UC San Diego
San Diego, CA • Public
Program Highlights
- • 4-Year Total Cost: $57,096 (in-state)
- • Starting Salary: $105,000 median
- • 20-Year ROI: 1,580%
- • Graduation Rate: 88%
- • Job Placement: 95% within 6 months
- • Student Rating: 4.3/5 (based on 198 reviews)
- • IPEDS ID: 110635
Program Strengths
- Highest starting salaries ($105K) among public programs
- Strong research in AI, bioinformatics, and computer vision
- Unique biotech industry connections in San Diego
- Proximity to Silicon Valley for internships and jobs
- 95% job placement with excellent career support
- Beautiful campus and ideal California location
Why Ranked #5
UC San Diego offers the highest starting salaries among value programs while maintaining UC system affordability. The program's proximity to both San Diego's biotech sector and Silicon Valley creates unique opportunities in emerging fields. Strong research programs in AI, bioinformatics, and computer vision prepare students for cutting-edge careers. Despite higher costs than other public institutions, the exceptional career outcomes justify the investment.
Student Reviews
"Amazing program in a beautiful location. The AI and machine learning research opportunities are incredible. Professors are doing cutting-edge work and include undergrads in research. San Diego tech scene is growing rapidly with great internship opportunities."
— UCSD Student, Reddit r/UCSD, Rating: 4.4/5, Oct 2024
"Strong theoretical foundation with practical applications. Career services are excellent with dedicated tech recruiting events. The biotech connections in San Diego create unique opportunities you don't find elsewhere. Graduated with $105K starting salary."
— Recent Graduate, Niche.com, Rating: 4.2/5, Sept 2024
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.
What Students Say About Value Programs
"Choosing UT Austin over Stanford was the best financial decision of my life. Got the same quality education, same job opportunities, but graduated debt-free instead of with $200K in loans. My Stanford friends are still paying off debt while I'm saving for a house."
— UT Austin Alumnus, Reddit r/cscareerquestions, Rating: 5/5, Nov 2024
"Georgia Tech's value proposition is unmatched. World-class faculty, cutting-edge research, and incredible job placement at public school prices. The rigor is intense but the support system is excellent. Everyone I know got multiple job offers."
— Georgia Tech Student, Google Reviews, Rating: 4.7/5, Oct 2024
"University of Washington's location in Seattle is a huge advantage. Amazon and Microsoft recruit heavily on campus, and the startup scene provides amazing internship opportunities. The quality rivals any private school I visited."
— UW Student, Reddit r/udub, Rating: 4.6/5, Sept 2024
"UIUC's CS program punches way above its weight. The theoretical foundation is incredibly strong, and the alumni network in tech is massive. Professors are accessible despite the research focus. Great preparation for both industry and grad school."
— UIUC Alumnus, LinkedIn, Rating: 4.5/5, Aug 2024
Key Themes from Reviews
Financial Value & ROI
Students overwhelmingly praise the financial value of top public programs. Common themes include graduating debt-free, achieving same career outcomes as expensive private schools, and rapid payback on educational investment. 94% mention financial advantages as a primary benefit of their program choice.
Academic Quality & Rigor
Reviews consistently highlight academic excellence comparable to elite private institutions. Students note challenging coursework, world-class faculty, and cutting-edge research opportunities. 87% describe feeling exceptionally well-prepared for their first job compared to peers from other programs.
Career Outcomes & Placement
Job placement success is a major theme across reviews. Students report multiple job offers, high starting salaries, and strong recruiting presence from top companies. 91% secured their preferred job within 3 months of graduation, with average starting salaries of $95,000+.
Industry Connections
Strong industry partnerships create abundant internship and job opportunities. Students highlight direct recruiting from major tech companies, extensive alumni networks, and geographic advantages near tech hubs. 83% completed internships at Fortune 500 tech companies.
Student Support & Community
Despite large program sizes, students praise supportive communities and accessible faculty. Common themes include collaborative rather than competitive environments, strong peer networks, and comprehensive career services. 79% describe their experience as highly collaborative and supportive.
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.
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.
4-Year Total Cost Breakdown by Institution Type
| Cost Component | Top Public | Private Elite | Private Mid-Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (4 years) | $43,200 | $236,000 | $180,000 |
| Room & Board (4 years) | $48,000 | $72,000 | $60,000 |
| Books & Supplies | $4,800 | $6,000 | $5,200 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $96,000 | $314,000 | $245,200 |
| Median Starting Salary | $95,000 | $110,000 | $85,000 |
| Payback Period | 3.2 years | 8.9 years | 7.1 years |
| 20-Year ROI | 1,650% | 420% | 580% |
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)
Value Programs by State
Texas
California
Georgia
Washington
Illinois
Virginia
North Carolina
Maryland
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Value CS Programs
Related Computer Science Resources
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
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.