# Most Affordable Colleges for Information Technology

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-10-12 | Schools: 50 | Category: Value
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-information-technology

## Methodology

Ranked by affordability with program concentration in Computer Science & IT

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

When considering a career in information technology, affordability can be a huge factor in choosing the right college. With rising tuition costs, students are looking for schools that provide a strong return on investment without overwhelming debt. The landscape of affordable colleges has some standout options worth exploring.

The schools on this list excel in key areas that matter to prospective IT students. We're looking at average earnings after graduation, graduation rates, net prices, and student debt. For instance, the average earnings of graduates from these institutions is around $64,690, which suggests a solid financial future for alumni. Pair that with completion rates averaging 61%, and it becomes clear that these colleges are delivering on their promises.

Take Princeton University and CUNY Bernard M Baruch College, for example. Princeton graduates report earnings of $110,066, significantly higher than Baruch's $75,971. However, Baruch has a much lower net price of $3,033 compared to Princeton's $6,128, making it a more accessible option for many. Understanding these tradeoffs will help you make a more informed decision.

## Key Findings

- Princeton University graduates earn an average of $110,066, the highest on this list.
- CUNY Bernard M Baruch College has the lowest net price at $3,033.
- Graduation rates vary significantly, with Princeton at 97% and CUNY Hunter College at 59%.
- The average debt for graduates across these colleges is approximately $10,000.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Princeton University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/princeton-university) | Princeton, NJ | 97% | $110,066 | $6,128 | $10,320 | 0.09x |
| 2 | [CUNY Bernard M Baruch College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/cuny-bernard-m-baruch-college) | New York, NY | 72% | $75,971 | $3,033 | $11,512 | 0.15x |
| 3 | [CUNY Hunter College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/cuny-hunter-college) | New York, NY | 59% | $63,163 | $2,984 | $11,000 | 0.17x |
| 4 | [CUNY Brooklyn College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/cuny-brooklyn-college) | Brooklyn, NY | 55% | $60,752 | $3,103 | $11,000 | 0.18x |
| 5 | [CUNY Queens College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/cuny-queens-college) | Queens, NY | 56% | $62,763 | $4,195 | $10,298 | 0.16x |
| 6 | [CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/cuny-john-jay-college-of-criminal-justice) | New York, NY | 56% | $56,195 | $3,203 | $11,000 | 0.2x |
| 7 | [CUNY Lehman College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/cuny-lehman-college) | Bronx, NY | 50% | $58,013 | $3,148 | $10,950 | 0.19x |
| 8 | [University of Florida](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-florida) | Gainesville, FL | 91% | $71,588 | $6,541 | $15,000 | 0.21x |
| 9 | [Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/georgia-institute-of-technology-main-campus) | Atlanta, GA | 93% | $102,772 | $12,116 | $21,672 | 0.21x |
| 10 | [CUNY York College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/cuny-york-college) | Jamaica, NY | 31% | $56,945 | $4,456 | $11,000 | 0.19x |
| 11 | [University of Florida-Online](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-florida-online) | Gainesville, FL | 81% | $71,588 | $4,815 | $15,000 | 0.21x |
| 12 | [Stanford University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/stanford-university) | Stanford, CA | 92% | $124,080 | $13,807 | $12,000 | 0.1x |
| 13 | [CUNY City College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/cuny-city-college) | New York, NY | 56% | $66,039 | $3,776 | $11,990 | 0.18x |
| 14 | [Berea College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/berea-college) | Berea, KY | 60% | $43,150 | $6,106 | $3,591 | 0.08x |
| 15 | [New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/new-mexico-institute-of-mining-and-technology) | Socorro, NM | 57% | $76,489 | $9,873 | $19,085 | 0.25x |
| 16 | [CUNY Medgar Evers College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/cuny-medgar-evers-college) | Brooklyn, NY | 21% | $46,498 | $5,718 | $10,988 | 0.24x |
| 17 | [University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-north-carolina-at-chapel-hill) | Chapel Hill, NC | 92% | $72,200 | $11,655 | $14,000 | 0.19x |
| 18 | [Florida International University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-international-university) | Miami, FL | 74% | $60,249 | $9,288 | $16,500 | 0.27x |
| 19 | [CUNY New York City College of Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/cuny-new-york-city-college-of-technology) | Brooklyn, NY | 20% | $49,365 | $5,127 | $10,533 | 0.21x |
| 20 | [University of South Florida](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-south-florida) | Tampa, FL | 76% | $57,743 | $9,812 | $17,988 | 0.31x |
| 21 | [Rice University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rice-university) | Houston, TX | 95% | $89,718 | $13,370 | $11,000 | 0.12x |
| 22 | [Northern Kentucky University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northern-kentucky-university) | Highland Heights, KY | 50% | $50,220 | $8,191 | $23,000 | 0.46x |
| 23 | [Florida Atlantic University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-atlantic-university) | Boca Raton, FL | 63% | $56,746 | $8,752 | $17,236 | 0.3x |
| 24 | [Southeastern Oklahoma State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southeastern-oklahoma-state-university) | Durant, OK | 32% | $45,079 | $8,039 | $17,000 | 0.38x |
| 25 | [University of Central Florida](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-central-florida) | Orlando, FL | 77% | $58,308 | $10,411 | $18,190 | 0.31x |
| 26 | [Indiana University-Kokomo](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/indiana-university-kokomo) | Kokomo, IN | 45% | $49,917 | $3,968 | $16,961 | 0.34x |
| 27 | [University of West Florida](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-west-florida) | Pensacola, FL | 60% | $49,137 | $9,364 | $16,624 | 0.34x |
| 28 | [Oakland University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/oakland-university) | Rochester Hills, MI | 57% | $58,612 | $9,120 | $22,750 | 0.39x |
| 29 | [University of North Florida](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-north-florida) | Jacksonville, FL | 69% | $56,343 | $10,154 | $15,531 | 0.28x |
| 30 | [Ferris State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/ferris-state-university) | Big Rapids, MI | 47% | $54,735 | $8,624 | $21,000 | 0.38x |
| 31 | [California State University-San Bernardino](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-state-university-san-bernardino) | San Bernardino, CA | 55% | $59,977 | $4,564 | $14,715 | 0.25x |
| 32 | [New College of Florida](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/new-college-of-florida) | Sarasota, FL | 64% | $48,082 | $7,195 | $17,375 | 0.36x |
| 33 | [California State University-Los Angeles](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-state-university-los-angeles) | Los Angeles, CA | 53% | $59,211 | $3,967 | $13,000 | 0.22x |
| 34 | [College of Staten Island CUNY](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/college-of-staten-island-cuny) | Staten Island, NY | 33% | $53,501 | $5,579 | $14,350 | 0.27x |
| 35 | [The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/the-university-of-texas-rio-grande-valley) | Edinburg, TX | 50% | $49,620 | $4,831 | $12,950 | 0.26x |
| 36 | [Portland State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/portland-state-university) | Portland, OR | 53% | $57,906 | $9,552 | $20,500 | 0.35x |
| 37 | [Clayton  State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/clayton-state-university) | Morrow, GA | 38% | $49,179 | $8,365 | $25,706 | 0.52x |
| 38 | [Murray State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/murray-state-university) | Murray, KY | 60% | $44,737 | $9,096 | $20,500 | 0.46x |
| 39 | [The University of Texas at San Antonio](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/the-university-of-texas-at-san-antonio) | San Antonio, TX | 52% | $57,131 | $10,836 | $20,500 | 0.36x |
| 40 | [University of Chicago](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-chicago) | Chicago, IL | 95% | $91,885 | $14,860 | $15,000 | 0.16x |
| 41 | [Lamar University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lamar-university) | Beaumont, TX | 37% | $49,652 | $9,366 | $21,250 | 0.43x |
| 42 | [University of North Georgia](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-north-georgia) | Dahlonega, GA | 37% | $50,135 | $9,823 | $17,750 | 0.35x |
| 43 | [Florida State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-state-university) | Tallahassee, FL | 84% | $61,675 | $11,297 | $18,000 | 0.29x |
| 44 | [Fayetteville State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/fayetteville-state-university) | Fayetteville, NC | 37% | $40,144 | $7,892 | $22,987 | 0.57x |
| 45 | [Christian Brothers University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/christian-brothers-university) | Memphis, TN | 55% | $57,478 | $9,854 | $27,000 | 0.47x |
| 46 | [The University of Texas at El Paso](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/the-university-of-texas-at-el-paso) | El Paso, TX | 48% | $50,923 | $9,403 | $18,000 | 0.35x |
| 47 | [California State University-Fullerton](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-state-university-fullerton) | Fullerton, CA | 70% | $62,951 | $6,555 | $13,750 | 0.22x |
| 48 | [Atlantic University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/atlantic-university) | Guaynabo, PR | 38% | $25,272 | $6,425 | $5,457 | 0.22x |
| 49 | [California State University-Stanislaus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-state-university-stanislaus) | Turlock, CA | 56% | $63,188 | $6,067 | $13,540 | 0.21x |
| 50 | [Austin Peay State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/austin-peay-state-university) | Clarksville, TN | 42% | $44,301 | $9,735 | $20,547 | 0.46x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Most Affordable Colleges for Information Technology." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-10-12. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-information-technology

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.