I want to find colleges that offer a great computer science education without breaking the bank. What colleges are known for being great value in this field?
There are definitely colleges that offer robust computer science programs while still keeping tuition relatively low. Here are a few to consider:
1. University of California-Berkeley: Though out-of-state tuition can be steep, if you're a resident of California, UC Berkeley is a top-ranked CS program at an affordable price. In-state tuition is comparatively lower than at other elite institutions.
2. Georgia Institute of Technology: Also known as Georgia Tech, this university is recognized for its rigorous and innovative CS program. Their in-state tuition is below average, and even out-of-state tuition is more affordable compared to other colleges offering similar quality education.
3. University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign: UIUC has a renowned computer science program and offers in-state tuition far below the national average, making it another great public option and value for computer science.
4. University of Texas-Austin: UT Austin has a reputation for providing excellent education at a relatively low cost. It's CS major is one of the strongest in the country.
5. University of Washington: Another public university known for its leading computer science program. In-state tuition provides considerable value for the quality of education.
6. Brigham Young University: Although it's a private institution, BYU's tuition is surprisingly affordable and has a robust CS program.
Also, numerous smaller schools and liberal arts colleges offer strong computer science programs at a reasonable cost, such as Harvey Mudd College, which financially supports a significant number of its students.
For all of these schools, be sure to take financial aid into account. Schools like UC Berkeley for example often meet a high percentage of financial need, lowering the overall cost for many families.
Remember, the 'value' of a college is very individual and dependent upon your circumstances. Factors like your expected salary after graduation, the amount of financial aid you receive, the amount of time it takes you to graduate, your personal debt tolerance, and other factors contribute to the value of a college for you. It is therefore important to use net price calculitors and consider your familys' financial circumstances when deciding which school provides the best value.
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