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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Computer & IS Security Schools in the Great Lakes Region

37 Colleges in the United States
$18,226 Avg Student Debt
$47,411 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Computer & IS Security Badge [Computer & IS Security](/majors/computer-information-sciences/it-information-technology/computer-is-security/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 164 schools to find the best return on investment for computer & is security students.

What’s on this page:

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DEBUG: Checking offer "Cybersecurity (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Cybersecurity (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
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DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Cybersecurity Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
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DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MBA - Cybersecurity (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "CCSP Training Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "CCSP Training Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "CISM Training Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "CISM Training Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "CISSP Training Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "CISSP Training Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "CompTIA CySA+ Training Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "CompTIA CySA+ Training Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Computer Science - Information Security" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BS in Computer Science - Information Security" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Information Technologies - Cybersecurity" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BS in Information Technologies - Cybersecurity" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Information Technology Management (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Information Technology Management (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MBA - Information Technology Management (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.9
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DEBUG: Checking offer "CCNA & CyberOps Training Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "CCNA & CyberOps Training Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Cyber Security - IT Management" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MS in Cyber Security - IT Management" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Information Technology - Information Security" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MS in Information Technology - Information Security" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Cybercrime (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Cybercrime (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Cybersecurity (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Cybersecurity (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Ethical Hacking Dual Certification Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Ethical Hacking Dual Certification Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "AS in Cybersecurity" with relevance 0.8
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DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Cybersecurity" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BS in Cybersecurity" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Cyber Security" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MS in Cyber Security" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "CompTIA Security+ Training Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" with relevance 0.7
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DEBUG: Checking offer "(ISC)² CGRC Training Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" with relevance 0.7
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DEBUG: Checking offer "MBA in Information Technology Management" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MBA in Information Technology Management" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
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2026 Best Value Computer & IS Security Schools in the Great Lakes Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in computer & is security, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Computer & IS Security Schools

1

Leading the list is Moraine Valley Community College, our #1 best value for computer & is security in the Great Lakes Region. Located in the suburb of Palos Hills, Moraine Valley Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,822, while out-of-state students pay about $9,846. Students borrow a median of $11,149 to complete the computer & is security program here. Soon after graduation, computer & is security degree recipients from Moraine Valley Community College generally make around $43,844. That is a strong return on a $11,149 median debt.

2

A rank of #2 makes Henry Ford Community College one of the best values for computer & is security. Located in the city of Dearborn, Henry Ford Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,568, compared with $7,816 for out-of-state students. Computer & Is Security graduates carry a median of $18,876 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computer & is security degree recipients from Henry Ford Community College generally make around $36,247. Set against $18,876 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

A rank of #3 makes City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College one of the best values for computer & is security. City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College is a large public school located in the city of Chicago. In-state tuition and fees average $4,590, while out-of-state students pay about $15,150. Typical student debt for computer & is security graduates is $8,093. Soon after graduation, computer & is security degree recipients from City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College generally make around $33,073. That is a strong return on a $8,093 median debt.

4

A rank of #4 makes Lewis And Clark Community College one of the best values for computer & is security. Lewis And Clark Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Godfrey. Students from in state pay about $4,340 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,840. Computer & Is Security graduates carry a median of $9,602 in student loans. Early-career computer & is security graduates make about $41,313. Set against $9,602 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5

A rank of #5 makes City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College one of the best values for computer & is security. Located in the city of Chicago, City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,590, compared with $15,150 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for computer & is security graduates is $7,500. Computer & Is Security graduates of City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College earn a median of $33,326 early in their careers. Set against $7,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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6

Illinois Valley Community College came in at #6 for value in computer & is security this year. Located in the town of Oglesby, Illinois Valley Community College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,200, compared with $16,385 for out-of-state students. Computer & Is Security graduates carry a median of $8,099 in student loans. Computer & Is Security graduates of Illinois Valley Community College earn a median of $33,224 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $8,099 median debt.

7

Cuyahoga Community College District ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value computer & is security schools. Cuyahoga Community College District is a very large public school located in the city of Cleveland. In-state tuition and fees average $3,249, compared with $7,249 for out-of-state students. Computer & Is Security graduates carry a median of $14,636 in student loans. Computer & Is Security graduates of Cuyahoga Community College District earn a median of $39,394 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,636 median debt.

8

Lorain County Community College landed the #8 spot for computer & is security value this year. Lorain County Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Elyria. In-state tuition and fees average $4,265, while out-of-state students pay about $8,860. Typical student debt for computer & is security graduates is $17,611. Computer & Is Security graduates of Lorain County Community College earn a median of $40,095 early in their careers. Set against $17,611 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

9

North Central State College came in at #9 for value in computer & is security this year. Set in the rural area of Mansfield, North Central State College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,786, while out-of-state students pay about $11,374. Computer & Is Security graduates carry a median of $12,236 in student loans. Early-career computer & is security graduates make about $47,458. Set against $12,236 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

10

Macomb Community College landed the #10 spot for computer & is security value this year. Set in the city of Warren, Macomb Community College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,660, while out-of-state students pay about $8,370. Students borrow a median of $9,862 to complete the computer & is security program here. Early-career computer & is security graduates make about $38,758. Set against $9,862 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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Joliet Junior College landed the #11 spot for computer & is security value this year. Joliet Junior College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Joliet. Students from in state pay about $4,530 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $13,800. Typical student debt for computer & is security graduates is $11,995. Early-career computer & is security graduates make about $40,118. That is a strong return on a $11,995 median debt.

12

Lansing Community College placed #12 among the best values for computer & is security. Located in the city of Lansing, Lansing Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,100, while out-of-state students pay about $11,300. Computer & Is Security graduates carry a median of $16,700 in student loans. Computer & Is Security graduates of Lansing Community College earn a median of $46,103 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,700 median debt.

13
Oakland Community College crest
Oakland Community College
Auburn Hills, MI

Oakland Community College came in at #13 for value in computer & is security this year. Located in the suburb of Auburn Hills, Oakland Community College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $3,120 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,560 for out-of-state students. Computer & Is Security graduates carry a median of $15,865 in student loans. Early-career computer & is security graduates make about $43,205. That is a strong return on a $15,865 median debt.

14

Elgin Community College came in at #14 for value in computer & is security this year. Elgin Community College is a large public school located in the city of Elgin. Students from in state pay about $3,252 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,516 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for computer & is security graduates is $7,727. Early-career computer & is security graduates make about $43,975. That is a strong return on a $7,727 median debt.

15
College Of Dupage crest
College Of Dupage
Glen Ellyn, IL

College Of Dupage came in at #15 for value in computer & is security this year. Set in the suburb of Glen Ellyn, College Of Dupage is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,560, while out-of-state students pay about $12,750. Students borrow a median of $7,938 to complete the computer & is security program here. Computer & Is Security graduates of College Of Dupage earn a median of $43,025 early in their careers. Set against $7,938 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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16
Delta College crest
Delta College
University Center, MI

Delta College came in at #16 for value in computer & is security this year. Set in the rural area of University Center, Delta College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,820, while out-of-state students pay about $7,880. Computer & Is Security graduates carry a median of $14,075 in student loans. Computer & Is Security graduates of Delta College earn a median of $37,342 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,075 median debt.

17

Sinclair Community College earned the #17 position for value in computer & is security this year. Set in the city of Dayton, Sinclair Community College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,675, with out-of-state students paying around $8,556. Students borrow a median of $12,525 to complete the computer & is security program here. Early-career computer & is security graduates make about $35,348. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

18

Monroe County Community College earned the #18 position for value in computer & is security this year. Located in the rural area of Monroe, Monroe County Community College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,759, with out-of-state students paying around $8,267. Students borrow a median of $16,031 to complete the computer & is security program here. Computer & Is Security graduates of Monroe County Community College earn a median of $47,729 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

19

Waubonsee Community College earned the #19 position for value in computer & is security this year. Waubonsee Community College is a large public school located in the rural area of Sugar Grove. Students from in state pay about $3,504 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,464. Computer & Is Security graduates carry a median of $9,939 in student loans. Computer & Is Security graduates of Waubonsee Community College earn a median of $39,659 early in their careers. Set against $9,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

20

Schoolcraft College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value computer & is security schools. Schoolcraft College is a large public school located in the city of Livonia. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,799, compared with $6,501 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,677 to complete the computer & is security program here. Computer & Is Security graduates of Schoolcraft College earn a median of $46,283 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,677 median debt.

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21

Southwestern Illinois College landed the #21 spot for computer & is security value this year. Southwestern Illinois College is a large public school located in the suburb of Belleville. In-state tuition and fees average $4,230, while out-of-state students pay about $6,720. Typical student debt for computer & is security graduates is $10,388. Soon after graduation, computer & is security degree recipients from Southwestern Illinois College generally make around $46,355. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

22

City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value computer & is security schools. Set in the city of Chicago, City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,590 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,150. Typical student debt for computer & is security graduates is $10,250. Early-career computer & is security graduates make about $48,264. That is a strong return on a $10,250 median debt.

23

Kishwaukee College earned the #23 position for value in computer & is security this year. Located in the rural area of Malta, Kishwaukee College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,560, compared with $13,680 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,328 to complete the computer & is security program here. Soon after graduation, computer & is security degree recipients from Kishwaukee College generally make around $30,398. That is a strong return on a $10,328 median debt.

24
Ivy Tech Community College crest
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN

Ivy Tech Community College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value computer & is security schools. Ivy Tech Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Indianapolis. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,154, with out-of-state students paying around $9,935. Computer & Is Security graduates carry a median of $11,889 in student loans. Early-career computer & is security graduates make about $40,734. Set against $11,889 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

25

Spoon River College earned the #25 position for value in computer & is security this year. Spoon River College is a small public school located in the rural area of Canton. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,090, with out-of-state students paying around $13,500. Median earnings reach $38,386 ten years out.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Computer & IS Security Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s computer & is security value ranking:

26
Stark State College crest
Stark State College
North Canton, OH
27
28
Kaskaskia College crest
Kaskaskia College
Centralia, IL
29
30
Governors State University crest
Governors State University
University Park, IL
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
John A Logan College crest
John A Logan College
Carterville, IL
42
Vincennes University crest
Vincennes University
Vincennes, IN
43
44
Mid State Technical College crest
Mid State Technical College
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
45
46
47
48
49
50

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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 · 164 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 37 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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