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

2026 Best Value General Computer & Information Sciences Schools in Alabama

11 Colleges in the United States
$16,802 Avg Student Debt
$41,126 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/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 37 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for general computer & information sciences students.

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 Alabama

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general computer & information sciences, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value General Computer & Information Sciences Schools

1

For return on investment in general computer & information sciences, no school beat Northeast Alabama Community College this year. Northeast Alabama Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Rainsville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,040, while out-of-state students pay about $8,910. Students borrow a median of $7,459 to complete the general computer & information sciences program here. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates of Northeast Alabama Community College earn a median of $35,119 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

Students looking for strong value in general computer & information sciences will find it at George C Wallace State Community College Dothan, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Dothan, George C Wallace State Community College Dothan is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,980, with out-of-state students paying around $8,850. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $9,942 in student loans. Early-career general computer & information sciences graduates make about $34,762. That is a strong return on a $9,942 median debt.

3

Gadsden State Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general computer & information sciences, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Gadsden, Gadsden State Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,272 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,368. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $9,312 in student loans. Early-career general computer & information sciences graduates make about $34,710. Set against $9,312 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northwest Shoals Community College earned it the #4 place for general computer & information sciences. Set in the city of Muscle Shoals, Northwest Shoals Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,131, with out-of-state students paying around $9,001. Students borrow a median of $13,312 to complete the general computer & information sciences program here. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from Northwest Shoals Community College generally make around $33,842. Set against $13,312 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5

Bishop State Community College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value general computer & information sciences schools. Set in the city of Mobile, Bishop State Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,340, with out-of-state students paying around $9,210. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $13,712 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from Bishop State Community College generally make around $35,475. That is a strong return on a $13,712 median debt.

ADBLOCK #101
6

Bevill State Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value general computer & information sciences schools. Bevill State Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Jasper. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,734, while out-of-state students pay about $8,346. Students borrow a median of $11,040 to complete the general computer & information sciences program here. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates of Bevill State Community College earn a median of $38,514 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,040 median debt.

7

H Councill Trenholm State Technical College came in at #7 for value in general computer & information sciences this year. Located in the city of Montgomery, H Councill Trenholm State Technical College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,190, while out-of-state students pay about $9,060. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,183 ten years after entry.

8

Snead State Community College placed #8 among the best values for general computer & information sciences. Located in the town of Boaz, Snead State Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,278, compared with $9,148 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,083 to complete the general computer & information sciences program here. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from Snead State Community College generally make around $40,626. That is a strong return on a $12,083 median debt.

9

Chattahoochee Valley Community College came in at #9 for value in general computer & information sciences this year. Located in the suburb of Phenix City, Chattahoochee Valley Community College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,100, compared with $8,970 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,204 to complete the general computer & information sciences program here. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from Chattahoochee Valley Community College generally make around $53,099. Set against $13,204 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

10

John C Calhoun State Community College landed the #10 spot for general computer & information sciences value this year. Set in the city of Tanner, John C Calhoun State Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,120, while out-of-state students pay about $8,990. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $13,839 in student loans. Early-career general computer & information sciences graduates make about $36,258. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

ADBLOCK #115
11

Enterprise State Community College landed the #11 spot for general computer & information sciences value this year. Located in the town of Enterprise, Enterprise State Community College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $5,100 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,970. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $7,875 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from Enterprise State Community College generally make around $22,991. That is a strong return on a $7,875 median debt.

12

Jefferson State Community College came in at #12 for value in general computer & information sciences this year. Located in the city of Birmingham, Jefferson State Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,100, with out-of-state students paying around $8,970. Students borrow a median of $15,083 to complete the general computer & information sciences program here. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from Jefferson State Community College generally make around $42,861. That is a strong return on a $15,083 median debt.

13

Southern Union State Community College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value general computer & information sciences schools. Located in the rural area of Wadley, Southern Union State Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,030, compared with $8,874 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general computer & information sciences graduates is $11,555. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from Southern Union State Community College generally make around $44,385. Set against $11,555 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

14

Shelton State Community College placed #14 among the best values for general computer & information sciences. Located in the city of Tuscaloosa, Shelton State Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,127, while out-of-state students pay about $8,997. Typical student debt for general computer & information sciences graduates is $10,688. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from Shelton State Community College generally make around $49,403. That is a strong return on a $10,688 median debt.

15

University Of North Alabama came in at #15 for value in general computer & information sciences this year. Set in the city of Florence, University Of North Alabama is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,120 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,320 for out-of-state students. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from University Of North Alabama generally make around $68,996. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of North Alabama admits about 87% of applicants.

ADBLOCK #145
16

George C Wallace State Community College Hanceville earned the #16 position for value in general computer & information sciences this year. Set in the rural area of Hanceville, George C Wallace State Community College Hanceville is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,220, while out-of-state students pay about $9,090. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $13,146 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from George C Wallace State Community College Hanceville generally make around $40,017. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

17

Troy University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value general computer & information sciences schools. Troy University is a large public school located in the town of Troy. In-state tuition and fees average $10,176, with out-of-state students paying around $20,352. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $27,437 in student loans. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates of Troy University earn a median of $58,407 early in their careers. Set against $27,437 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Troy University admits about 96% of applicants.

18

Central Alabama Community College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value general computer & information sciences schools. Located in the town of Alexander City, Central Alabama Community College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,110, while out-of-state students pay about $8,980. Students borrow a median of $12,939 to complete the general computer & information sciences program here. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates of Central Alabama Community College earn a median of $42,166 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

19

Jacksonville State University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value general computer & information sciences schools. Located in the suburb of Jacksonville, Jacksonville State University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,894, compared with $23,334 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general computer & information sciences graduates is $23,578. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates of Jacksonville State University earn a median of $62,795 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,578 median debt. Jacksonville State University admits about 78% of applicants.

20

Alabama A And M University earned the #20 position for value in general computer & information sciences this year. Set in the city of Normal, Alabama A And M University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,024, with out-of-state students paying around $18,634. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates of Alabama A And M University earn a median of $63,900 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.

ADBLOCK #150
21

University Of South Alabama landed the #21 spot for general computer & information sciences value this year. Located in the city of Mobile, University Of South Alabama is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,116 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,092. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the general computer & information sciences program here. Early-career general computer & information sciences graduates make about $47,253. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%.

22

University Of Alabama At Birmingham placed #22 among the best values for general computer & information sciences. Located in the city of Birmingham, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,098, while out-of-state students pay about $22,562. Typical student debt for general computer & information sciences graduates is $24,000. Early-career general computer & information sciences graduates make about $69,633. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.

23

The University Of Alabama placed #23 among the best values for general computer & information sciences. Set in the city of Tuscaloosa, The University Of Alabama is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,180, compared with $34,172 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general computer & information sciences graduates is $22,000. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from The University Of Alabama generally make around $83,651. Set against $22,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Alabama admits about 77% of applicants.

24
Auburn University crest
Auburn University
Auburn, AL

Auburn University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value general computer & information sciences schools. Auburn University is a very large public school located in the city of Auburn. In-state tuition and fees average $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Typical student debt for general computer & information sciences graduates is $25,000. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from Auburn University generally make around $72,440. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 46%.

25
Samford University crest
Samford University
Birmingham, AL

Samford University landed the #25 spot for general computer & information sciences value this year. Located in the suburb of Birmingham, Samford University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $40,150 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for general computer & information sciences graduates is $21,039. Early-career general computer & information sciences graduates make about $64,132. Set against $21,039 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Samford University admits about 82% of applicants.

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 · 37 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 11 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