Best Computer Science Degrees in the US by ROI
Top colleges ranked by estimated 20-year net return on investment across all active states. Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Programs Analyzed
10
Colleges with salary data
Average 20-Yr Net ROI
+$220,774
Across all programs
Average Annual Cost
$18,288
Cost of attendance
| # | College | State | 20-Yr Net ROI | Median Salary | Annual Cost | Avg Debt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Weber State University
Grad rate: 42.6% |
UT | +$783,303 | $83,812 | $16,172 | $15,254 | Full ROI → |
| 2 |
Normandale Community College
Grad rate: 18.7% |
MN | +$551,426 | $72,391 | $17,594 | $15,708 | Full ROI → |
| 3 |
Northern Virginia Community College
Grad rate: 36.3% |
VA | +$501,248 | $69,522 | $15,821 | $13,000 | Full ROI → |
| 4 |
City College of San Francisco
Grad rate: 38.3% |
CA | +$465,106 | $66,956 | $17,007 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 5 |
North Hennepin Community College
Grad rate: 14.3% |
MN | +$342,450 | $61,615 | $14,293 | $15,751 | Full ROI → |
| 6 |
El Camino Community College District
Grad rate: 35.9% |
CA | +$57,028 | $46,189 | $13,376 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 7 |
CUNY LaGuardia Community College
Grad rate: 27.1% |
NY | +$42,933 | $46,054 | $13,167 | $8,750 | Full ROI → |
| 8 |
CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College
Grad rate: 24.9% |
NY | -$109,309 | $38,462 | $12,187 | $10,500 | Full ROI → |
| 9 |
Charter College
Grad rate: 56.2% |
AK | -$181,356 | $36,051 | $31,188 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 10 |
South Hills School of Business & Technology
Grad rate: 61.0% |
PA | -$245,080 | $32,954 | $32,080 | N/A | Full ROI → |
How ROI is calculated
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings (salary × 20) − Total Degree Cost − Debt Payoff (×1.35) − Baseline Opportunity Cost ($42,000 × 20). Data from the U.S. College Scorecard.
Find Best Computer Science Degrees by State
Browse Computer Science programs ranked by 20-year ROI in every state that offers this degree.