ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value General Computer & Information Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region

33 Colleges in the United States
$23,708 Avg Student Debt
$56,833 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value General Computer & Information Sciences Badge [General Computer & Information Sciences](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-information-systems-cis/general-computer-information-sciences/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

College Factual analyzed 121 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value general computer & information sciences schools.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-information-systems-cis/general-computer-information-sciences/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-information-systems-cis/general-computer-information-sciences/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-information-systems-cis/general-computer-information-sciences/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-information-systems-cis/general-computer-information-sciences/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-information-systems-cis/general-computer-information-sciences/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-information-systems-cis/general-computer-information-sciences/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-information-systems-cis/general-computer-information-sciences/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 10
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 11.01), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Computers & IT Associate Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Computers & IT Associate Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Computers & IT Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Computers & IT Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Computers & IT IT Training Boot Camps (All Degree Levels)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Computers & IT IT Training Boot Camps (All Degree Levels)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Computers & IT Masters Programs (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Computers & IT Masters Programs (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Computer Science (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Computer Science (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Computer Science (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Computer Science (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Computer Science (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Computer Science (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Software Engineering Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Software Engineering Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Software Engineering (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Software Engineering (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Software Engineering (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Software Engineering (I Have a Bachelors)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 8
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 8 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 8
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 4 offers with relevance >= 1.0

2026 Best Value General Computer & Information Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general computer & information sciences degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value General Computer & Information Sciences Schools

1

Our analysis ranked Sinclair Community College the best value for a degree in general computer & information sciences in the Great Lakes Region. Located in the city of Dayton, Sinclair Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,675, while out-of-state students pay about $8,556. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $12,525 in student loans. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates of Sinclair Community College earn a median of $35,348 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,525 median debt.

2
Carl Sandburg College crest
Carl Sandburg College
Galesburg, IL

Carl Sandburg College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value general computer & information sciences schools. Located in the town of Galesburg, Carl Sandburg College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $5,390 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,900. Typical student debt for general computer & information sciences graduates is $8,604. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from Carl Sandburg College generally make around $48,534. That is a strong return on a $8,604 median debt.

3

Students looking for strong value in general computer & information sciences will find it at College Of Lake County, which ranked #3. Set in the suburb of Grayslake, College Of Lake County is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,788, with out-of-state students paying around $14,400. Typical student debt for general computer & information sciences graduates is $9,785. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from College Of Lake County generally make around $50,314. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

Southwestern Illinois College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general computer & information sciences, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Belleville, Southwestern Illinois College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,230, while out-of-state students pay about $6,720. Students borrow a median of $10,388 to complete the general computer & information sciences program here. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from Southwestern Illinois College generally make around $44,345. That is a strong return on a $10,388 median debt.

5

A rank of #5 makes University Of Cincinnati Clermont College one of the best values for general computer & information sciences. Located in the suburb of Batavia, University Of Cincinnati Clermont College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,639, with out-of-state students paying around $13,871. Students borrow a median of $19,525 to complete the general computer & information sciences program here. Early-career general computer & information sciences graduates make about $39,106. That is a strong return on a $19,525 median debt.

ADBLOCK #101
6
Ivy Tech Community College crest
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN

Ivy Tech Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value general computer & information sciences schools. Set in the city of Indianapolis, Ivy Tech Community College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,154, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $12,226 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from Ivy Tech Community College generally make around $38,869. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

7

University Of Michigan Dearborn landed the #7 spot for general computer & information sciences value this year. Located in the city of Dearborn, University Of Michigan Dearborn is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,640, while out-of-state students pay about $32,896. Typical student debt for general computer & information sciences graduates is $25,000. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from University Of Michigan Dearborn generally make around $77,273. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 56%.

8

Columbus State Community College landed the #8 spot for general computer & information sciences value this year. Located in the city of Columbus, Columbus State Community College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,488, while out-of-state students pay about $11,224. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $9,041 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,435. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

9
Purdue University Main Campus crest
Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus landed the #9 spot for general computer & information sciences value this year. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $19,985 in student loans. Early-career general computer & information sciences graduates make about $63,111. That is a strong return on a $19,985 median debt. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted.

10

University Of Wisconsin Parkside ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value general computer & information sciences schools. Located in the rural area of Kenosha, University Of Wisconsin Parkside is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,270 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,429. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $24,485 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Parkside generally make around $40,365. That is a strong return on a $24,485 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%.

ADBLOCK #115
11

Lakeland Community College came in at #11 for value in general computer & information sciences this year. Set in the suburb of Kirtland, Lakeland Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,872, compared with $9,235 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general computer & information sciences graduates is $19,857. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from Lakeland Community College generally make around $51,941. Set against $19,857 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

12

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value general computer & information sciences schools. Set in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general computer & information sciences graduates is $20,000. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates of University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of $113,634 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted.

13

Western Illinois University came in at #13 for value in general computer & information sciences this year. Located in the town of Macomb, Western Illinois University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from Western Illinois University generally make around $62,578. That is a strong return on a $25,250 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.

14
Oakland University crest
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI

Oakland University came in at #14 for value in general computer & information sciences this year. Located in the suburb of Rochester Hills, Oakland University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $17,167 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,735. Typical student debt for general computer & information sciences graduates is $26,500. Early-career general computer & information sciences graduates make about $66,537. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. Oakland University admits about 88% of applicants.

15

University Of Wisconsin River Falls placed #15 among the best values for general computer & information sciences. Located in the town of River Falls, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,008, with out-of-state students paying around $17,470. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $24,245 in student loans. Early-career general computer & information sciences graduates make about $47,577. Set against $24,245 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin River Falls admits about 82% of applicants.

ADBLOCK #145
16

Wayne State University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value general computer & information sciences schools. Wayne State University is a very large public school located in the city of Detroit. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,159, compared with $34,650 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,672 to complete the general computer & information sciences program here. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates of Wayne State University earn a median of $77,371 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,672 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.

17
Ferris State University crest
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI

Ferris State University earned the #17 position for value in general computer & information sciences this year. Ferris State University is a large public school located in the town of Big Rapids. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,778. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $27,813 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from Ferris State University generally make around $65,597. Set against $27,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

18

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville landed the #18 spot for general computer & information sciences value this year. Located in the suburb of Edwardsville, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $23,966 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville generally make around $55,844. That is a strong return on a $23,966 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.

19
Indiana State University crest
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN

Indiana State University landed the #19 spot for general computer & information sciences value this year. Located in the city of Terre Haute, Indiana State University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $10,258 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,322. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $23,196 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from Indiana State University generally make around $44,293. Set against $23,196 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%.

20
Purdue University Global crest
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Global came in at #20 for value in general computer & information sciences this year. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Global is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,101 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,412. Typical student debt for general computer & information sciences graduates is $54,293. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from Purdue University Global generally make around $73,055. Set against $54,293 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

ADBLOCK #150
21

University Of Southern Indiana landed the #21 spot for general computer & information sciences value this year. University Of Southern Indiana is a large public school located in the suburb of Evansville. Students from in state pay about $10,066 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,907. Students borrow a median of $21,999 to complete the general computer & information sciences program here. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from University Of Southern Indiana generally make around $47,216. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

22

University Of Wisconsin Platteville came in at #22 for value in general computer & information sciences this year. University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Platteville. Students from in state pay about $8,644 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,603 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general computer & information sciences graduates is $25,000. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates of University Of Wisconsin Platteville earn a median of $68,711 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.

23

University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value general computer & information sciences schools. Located in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical student debt for general computer & information sciences graduates is $22,500. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates of University Of Wisconsin Madison earn a median of $80,566 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted.

24

Youngstown State University placed #24 among the best values for general computer & information sciences. Located in the city of Youngstown, Youngstown State University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general computer & information sciences graduates is $31,000. Early-career general computer & information sciences graduates make about $49,025. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%.

25

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater landed the #25 spot for general computer & information sciences value this year. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a large public school located in the town of Whitewater. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,616, compared with $18,716 for out-of-state students. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $25,742 in student loans. Early-career general computer & information sciences graduates make about $52,995. That is a strong return on a $25,742 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value General Computer & Information Sciences Schools

Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in general computer & information sciences:

26
Saginaw Valley State University crest
Saginaw Valley State University
University Center, MI
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
Central Michigan University crest
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI
35
36
37
38
Kalamazoo College crest
Kalamazoo College
Kalamazoo, MI
39
40
41
Michigan State University crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
42
43
Elmhurst College crest
Elmhurst College
Elmhurst, IL
44
45
Lakeland College crest
Lakeland College
Plymouth, WI
46
47
Carthage College crest
Carthage College
Kenosha, WI
48
49
Hope College crest
Hope College
Holland, MI
50

Narrow General Computer & Information Sciences Schools by State

ADBLOCK #173
View All General Computer & Information Sciences Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 121 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 33 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options