[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 11 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value information science schools.
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Featured Information Science Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in information science, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked University Of South Carolina Upstate the best value for a degree in information science in South Carolina. University Of South Carolina Upstate is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Spartanburg. Students from in state pay about $11,588 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $23,090. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete the information science program here. Soon after graduation, information science degree recipients from University Of South Carolina Upstate generally make around $48,664. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. University Of South Carolina Upstate admits about 67% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at College Of Charleston earned it the #2 place for information science. College Of Charleston is a large public school located in the city of Charleston. In-state tuition and fees average $12,978, with out-of-state students paying around $38,296. Information Science graduates carry a median of $22,591 in student loans. Information Science graduates of College Of Charleston earn a median of $63,069 early in their careers. Set against $22,591 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%.
A rank of #3 makes Clemson University one of the best values for information science. Located in the suburb of Clemson, Clemson University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Typical student debt for information science graduates is $25,964. Soon after graduation, information science degree recipients from Clemson University generally make around $76,549. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of South Carolina Columbia earned it the #4 place for information science. University Of South Carolina Columbia is a very large public school located in the city of Columbia. In-state tuition and fees average $12,688, compared with $36,298 for out-of-state students. Information Science graduates carry a median of $24,472 in student loans. Early-career information science graduates make about $54,087. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 60%.
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Notes and References
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 · 11 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
