by our College Data Analytics Team
[Information Technology](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-information-systems-cis/information-technology/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong information technology education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 116 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value information technology schools.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the information technology degrees they offer, see the list below.
San Diego Miramar College tops our 2026 list of the best value information technology schools in California. Set in the city of San Diego, San Diego Miramar College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,146, compared with $10,002 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,098 to complete the information technology program here. Early-career information technology graduates make about $41,038. That is a strong return on a $8,098 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at San Diego Mesa College earned it the #2 place for information technology. Set in the city of San Diego, San Diego Mesa College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,146 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,002 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $6,999 to complete the information technology program here. Early-career information technology graduates make about $29,852. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Mt San Antonio College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in information technology, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Walnut, Mt San Antonio College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,364 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,464 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $9,384. Early-career information technology graduates make about $44,391. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in information technology will find it at College Of The Sequoias, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Visalia, College Of The Sequoias is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,394, while out-of-state students pay about $9,038. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $10,288 in student loans. Information Technology graduates of College Of The Sequoias earn a median of $37,749 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,288 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Reedley College earned it the #5 place for information technology. Set in the town of Reedley, Reedley College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,378, with out-of-state students paying around $8,638. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $6,500. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from Reedley College generally make around $30,520. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
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Fresno City College landed the #6 spot for information technology value this year. Set in the city of Fresno, Fresno City College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,378, compared with $8,638 for out-of-state students. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $7,234 in student loans. Early-career information technology graduates make about $37,470. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Imperial Valley College landed the #7 spot for information technology value this year. Imperial Valley College is a large public school located in the rural area of Imperial. In-state tuition and fees average $1,126, with out-of-state students paying around $8,830. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $6,176. Information Technology graduates of Imperial Valley College earn a median of $42,617 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
California State University Dominguez Hills landed the #8 spot for information technology value this year. California State University Dominguez Hills is a large public school located in the city of Carson. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,454, with out-of-state students paying around $20,054. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $18,750 in student loans. Information Technology graduates of California State University Dominguez Hills earn a median of $49,916 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,750 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
California State University Los Angeles placed #9 among the best values for information technology. Located in the city of Los Angeles, California State University Los Angeles is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,164, while out-of-state students pay about $19,764. Students borrow a median of $13,000 to complete the information technology program here. Information Technology graduates of California State University Los Angeles earn a median of $45,355 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Santa Ana College landed the #10 spot for information technology value this year. Located in the city of Santa Ana, Santa Ana College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,180, with out-of-state students paying around $10,756. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $11,196 in student loans. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from Santa Ana College generally make around $39,633. That is a strong return on a $11,196 median debt.
Sacramento City College earned the #11 position for value in information technology this year. Sacramento City College is a very large public school located in the city of Sacramento. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,288, while out-of-state students pay about $12,616. Students borrow a median of $13,180 to complete the information technology program here. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from Sacramento City College generally make around $46,522. Set against $13,180 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Victor Valley College landed the #12 spot for information technology value this year. Set in the suburb of Victorville, Victor Valley College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,425, while out-of-state students pay about $10,125. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $7,995. Information Technology graduates of Victor Valley College earn a median of $37,755 early in their careers. Set against $7,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Chabot College placed #13 among the best values for information technology. Chabot College is a large public school located in the suburb of Hayward. In-state tuition and fees average $1,150, compared with $8,686 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $14,122. Early-career information technology graduates make about $85,175. Set against $14,122 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Porterville College placed #14 among the best values for information technology. Set in the suburb of Porterville, Porterville College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,438, with out-of-state students paying around $11,308. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,328 ten years after entry.
Merced College landed the #15 spot for information technology value this year. Set in the city of Merced, Merced College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,200, while out-of-state students pay about $8,520. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $9,024 in student loans. Information Technology graduates of Merced College earn a median of $45,032 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,024 median debt.
Allan Hancock College landed the #16 spot for information technology value this year. Located in the city of Santa Maria, Allan Hancock College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,156, while out-of-state students pay about $9,892. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,786 ten years after entry.
Mission College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value information technology schools. Mission College is a large public school located in the city of Santa Clara. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,438, compared with $12,500 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,223 to complete the information technology program here. Median earnings reach $50,936 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,223 median debt.
Cosumnes River College landed the #18 spot for information technology value this year. Cosumnes River College is a very large public school located in the city of Sacramento. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,288, while out-of-state students pay about $12,616. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete the information technology program here. Information Technology graduates of Cosumnes River College earn a median of $19,699 early in their careers. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
California State University Fullerton landed the #19 spot for information technology value this year. Set in the suburb of Fullerton, California State University Fullerton is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,470, with out-of-state students paying around $20,070. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $15,525. Information Technology graduates of California State University Fullerton earn a median of $54,471 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Fullerton admits about 90% of applicants.
Long Beach City College landed the #20 spot for information technology value this year. Long Beach City College is a very large public school located in the city of Long Beach. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,556, compared with $12,544 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $6,000 to complete the information technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,870. That is a strong return on a $6,000 median debt.
El Camino Community College District placed #21 among the best values for information technology. Located in the suburb of Torrance, El Camino Community College District is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,144 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,630. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,589 ten years after entry.
Diablo Valley College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value information technology schools. Located in the suburb of Pleasant Hill, Diablo Valley College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,312, with out-of-state students paying around $10,320. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $9,205 in student loans. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from Diablo Valley College generally make around $27,813. Set against $9,205 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Palomar College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value information technology schools. Located in the suburb of San Marcos, Palomar College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,354, while out-of-state students pay about $10,650. Median earnings reach $42,300 ten years out.
California State University San Bernardino earned the #24 position for value in information technology this year. California State University San Bernardino is a very large public school located in the city of San Bernardino. Students from in state pay about $8,088 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,688 for out-of-state students. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $16,119 in student loans. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from California State University San Bernardino generally make around $56,029. That is a strong return on a $16,119 median debt. California State University San Bernardino admits about 94% of applicants.
Chaffey College came in at #25 for value in information technology this year. Located in the suburb of Rancho Cucamonga, Chaffey College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,184, compared with $11,120 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $6,952 to complete the information technology program here. Information Technology graduates of Chaffey College earn a median of $23,532 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $6,952 median debt.
These schools also delivered strong value for information technology this year:
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This ranking is produced 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 · 116 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 14 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
