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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value General Information Science Schools in the Far Western Region

5 Colleges in the United States
$19,992 Avg Student Debt
$72,998 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value General Information Science Badge [General Information Science](/majors/computer-information-sciences/information-science-is/general-information-science/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong general information science education at a price that pays off.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 30 schools to find the best return on investment for general information science students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value General Information Science Schools in the Far Western Region

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

Best Value General Information Science Schools

1

For return on investment in general information science, no school beat University Of Washington Seattle Campus this year. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Seattle. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. General Information Science graduates carry a median of $16,481 in student loans. General Information Science graduates of University Of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of $114,662 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,481 median debt. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants.

2

University Of California Riverside came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value general information science schools. University Of California Riverside is a very large public school located in the city of Riverside. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,636, while out-of-state students pay about $46,524. General Information Science graduates carry a median of $24,417 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general information science degree recipients from University Of California Riverside generally make around $76,090. That is a strong return on a $24,417 median debt. University Of California Riverside admits about 76% of applicants.

3

San Jose State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value general information science schools. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 85%.

4

University Of California Berkeley is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general information science, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general information science graduates is $14,238. General Information Science graduates of University Of California Berkeley earn a median of $175,482 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,238 median debt. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.

5

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Avtec Alaskas Institute Of Technology earned it the #5 place for general information science. Located in the rural area of Seward, Avtec Alaskas Institute Of Technology is a small public university. General Information Science graduates of Avtec Alaskas Institute Of Technology earn a median of $38,191 early in their careers.

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6

Western Oregon University came in at #6 for value in general information science this year. Located in the town of Monmouth, Western Oregon University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $11,514 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,169 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,166 to complete the general information science program here. General Information Science graduates of Western Oregon University earn a median of $39,320 early in their careers. Set against $24,166 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%.

7

California Lutheran University landed the #7 spot for general information science value this year. California Lutheran University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Thousand Oaks. In-state tuition and fees average $52,560. General Information Science graduates carry a median of $22,727 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general information science degree recipients from California Lutheran University generally make around $53,271. That is a strong return on a $22,727 median debt. California Lutheran University admits about 76% of applicants.

8

University Of Southern California ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value general information science schools. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,647. Typical student debt for general information science graduates is $15,625. Soon after graduation, general information science degree recipients from University Of Southern California generally make around $75,677. Set against $15,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 10%.

9
Seattle University crest
Seattle University
Seattle, WA

Seattle University came in at #9 for value in general information science this year. Seattle University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Seattle. In-state tuition and fees average $56,721. General Information Science graduates carry a median of $22,289 in student loans. General Information Science graduates of Seattle University earn a median of $63,214 early in their careers. Set against $22,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

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Notes and References

This list is compiled 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 · 30 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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