by our College Data Analytics Team
[Information Science](/majors/computer-information-sciences/information-science-is/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 43 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value information science schools.
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 information science degrees they offer, see the list below.
For return on investment in information science, no school beat Pennsylvania State University Penn State Abington this year. Located in the suburb of Abington, Pennsylvania State University Penn State Abington is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,268, compared with $25,664 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. Pennsylvania State University Penn State Abington admits about 97% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Bucks County Community College earned it the #2 place for information science. 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 information science program here. Soon after graduation, information science degree recipients from Bucks County Community College generally make around $37,711. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in information science will find it at Pennsylvania State University Penn State Worthington Scranton, which ranked #3. Pennsylvania State University Penn State Worthington Scranton is a small public school located in the suburb of Dunmore. Students from in state pay about $15,208 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,392. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. Pennsylvania State University Penn State Worthington Scranton admits about 98% of applicants.
University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown is a great value for students pursuing a degree in information science, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Johnstown, University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,906, while out-of-state students pay about $26,780. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the information science program here. Early-career information science graduates make about $59,951. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown admits about 95% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes Pennsylvania Western University one of the best values for information science. Set in the town of California, Pennsylvania Western University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,436 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,054. Median earnings reach $47,295 ten years out. Pennsylvania Western University admits about 94% of applicants.
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Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania earned the #6 position for value in information science this year. 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 information science program here. Soon after graduation, information science degree recipients from Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $49,369. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
Pennsylvania State University World Campus ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value information science schools. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,356. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. Pennsylvania State University World Campus admits about 91% of applicants.
Pennsylvania State University Brandywine landed the #8 spot for 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, with out-of-state students paying around $25,392. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
Pennsylvania State University Penn State Harrisburg earned the #9 position for value in information science this year. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
Pennsylvania State University Penn State Berks placed #10 among the best values for information science. Set in the suburb of Reading, Pennsylvania State University Penn State Berks is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,972, with out-of-state students paying around $26,958. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 99%.
Robert Morris University earned the #11 position for value in information science this year. Robert Morris University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Moon Township. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,770. Typical student debt for information science graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, information science degree recipients from Robert Morris University generally make around $62,375. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus earned the #12 position for value in information science this year. Set in the city of Pittsburgh, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $21,926 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,430 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for information science graduates is $27,000. Early-career information science graduates make about $72,231. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus admits about 58% of applicants.
Pennsylvania State University Main Campus earned the #13 position for value in information science this year. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,644, with out-of-state students paying around $41,790. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,435. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.
Drexel University landed the #14 spot for information science value this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,412. Information Science graduates carry a median of $29,125 in student loans. Soon after graduation, information science degree recipients from Drexel University generally make around $79,654. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Drexel University admits about 79% of applicants.
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 · 43 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
