by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Information Science](/majors/computer-information-sciences/information-science-is/general-information-science/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 43 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for general information science students.
What’s on this page:
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
BS in Computer Information Systems
Use technology to drive crucial business strategies with the online BS in Computer Information Systems program at Southern New Hampshire University.
AS in Information Technologies
Gain the specialized knowledge and critical-thinking skills required to begin a career in tech with this online associate degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
BA in Information Technologies
Gain a well-rounded education while preparing for a career in IT with this online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general information science degrees they offer, see the list below.
Pennsylvania State University Penn State Abington tops our 2026 list of the best value general information science schools in Pennsylvania. Located in the suburb of Abington, Pennsylvania State University Penn State Abington is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,268, while out-of-state students pay about $25,664. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in general information science will find it at Bucks County Community College, which ranked #2. Bucks County Community College is a large public school located in the rural area of Newtown. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,646, compared with $13,926 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,068 to complete the general information science program here. General Information Science graduates of Bucks County Community College earn a median of $37,711 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in general information science will find it at Pennsylvania State University Penn State Worthington Scranton, which ranked #3. Located in the suburb of Dunmore, Pennsylvania State University Penn State Worthington Scranton is a small public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,208, while out-of-state students pay about $25,392. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #4 makes University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown one of the best values for general information science. Located in the suburb of Johnstown, University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,906, while out-of-state students pay about $26,780. General Information Science graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general information science degree recipients from University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown generally make around $59,951. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Pennsylvania Western University earned it the #5 place for general information science. Pennsylvania Western University is a large public school located in the town of California. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,436, with out-of-state students paying around $16,054. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,295 ten years after entry. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
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Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value general information science schools. Located in the town of Slippery Rock, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,568, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. Students borrow a median of $25,250 to complete the general information science program here. Soon after graduation, general information science degree recipients from Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $49,369. That is a strong return on a $25,250 median debt. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania admits about 72% of applicants.
Pennsylvania State University World Campus landed the #7 spot for general information science value this year. Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public school located in the city of University Park. In-state tuition and fees average $15,356. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,435. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
Pennsylvania State University Brandywine landed the #8 spot for general information science value this year. Located in the suburb of Media, Pennsylvania State University Brandywine is a small public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,208, compared with $25,392 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,435. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
Pennsylvania State University Penn State Harrisburg ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value general information science schools. Set in the suburb of Middletown, Pennsylvania State University Penn State Harrisburg is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,972, with out-of-state students paying around $26,958. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,435. The acceptance rate is 98%.
Pennsylvania State University Penn State Berks ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value general information science schools. Located in the suburb of Reading, Pennsylvania State University Penn State Berks is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,972, compared with $26,958 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. Pennsylvania State University Penn State Berks admits about 99% of applicants.
Robert Morris University earned the #11 position for value in general information science this year. Robert Morris University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Moon Township. Students from in state pay about $35,770 in tuition and fees. General Information Science graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general information science degree recipients from Robert Morris University generally make around $62,375. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus came in at #12 for value in general information science this year. Set in the city of Pittsburgh, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,926, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. General Information Science graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general information science degree recipients from University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus generally make around $72,231. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus admits about 58% of applicants.
Pennsylvania State University Main Campus came in at #13 for value in general information science this year. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of University Park. Students from in state pay about $20,644 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,790. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.
Drexel University came in at #14 for value in general information science this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,412. General Information Science graduates carry a median of $29,125 in student loans. Early-career general information science graduates make about $79,654. Set against $29,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.
This list is compiled 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 · 43 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
