by our College Data Analytics Team
[E-Commerce](/majors/business-management-marketing-sales/business-administration-and-management/e-commerce/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 7 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value e-commerce schools.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the e-commerce degrees they offer, see the list below.
Lake Land College tops our 2026 list of the best value e-commerce schools in Illinois. Lake Land College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Mattoon. Students from in state pay about $4,415 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,301. Students borrow a median of $7,769 to complete the e-commerce program here. Early-career e-commerce graduates make about $30,294. Set against $7,769 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Lewis University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value e-commerce schools. Set in the suburb of Romeoville, Lewis University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,200. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the e-commerce program here. E-Commerce graduates of Lewis University earn a median of $62,488 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%.
Illinois State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in e-commerce, landing the #3 spot this year. Illinois State University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Normal. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. E-Commerce graduates carry a median of $17,500 in student loans. E-Commerce graduates of Illinois State University earn a median of $49,660 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Judson University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value e-commerce schools. Judson University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Elgin. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,297. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the e-commerce program here. Early-career e-commerce graduates make about $58,482. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 48%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northwestern University earned it the #5 place for e-commerce. Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Evanston. Students from in state pay about $68,322 in tuition and fees. E-Commerce graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. E-Commerce graduates of Northwestern University earn a median of $78,551 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwestern University admits about 8% of applicants.
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Depaul University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value e-commerce schools. Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. Students borrow a median of $26,333 to complete the e-commerce program here. Soon after graduation, e-commerce degree recipients from Depaul University generally make around $55,226. Set against $26,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Depaul University admits about 76% of applicants.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.