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2026 Best Value Information Technology Schools in the Great Lakes Region

55 Colleges in the United States
$18,497 Avg Student Debt
$46,880 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Information Technology Badge [Information Technology](/majors/computer-information-sciences/it-information-technology/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 211 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for information technology students.

What’s on this page:

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DEBUG: Checking offer "Information Technology Management (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Information Technology Management (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MBA - Information Technology Management (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MBA - Information Technology Management (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "AS in Information Technologies" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "AS in Information Technologies" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BA in Information Technologies" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BA in Information Technologies" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Information Technologies" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BS in Information Technologies" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Information Technology" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MS in Information Technology" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Information Technology - Enterprise Technology Management" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MS in Information Technology - Enterprise Technology Management" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "CCNA & CyberOps Training Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "CCNA & CyberOps Training Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "CompTIA Network+ Training Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "CompTIA Network+ Training Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "CompTIA Security+ Training Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "CompTIA Security+ Training Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Computer Science - Information Security" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BS in Computer Science - Information Security" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Information Technologies - Business Management" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BS in Information Technologies - Business Management" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Information Technologies - Cybersecurity" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BS in Information Technologies - Cybersecurity" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Information Technologies - Data Analytics" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BS in Information Technologies - Data Analytics" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Information Technologies - Project Management" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BS in Information Technologies - Project Management" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MBA in Information Technology Management" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MBA in Information Technology Management" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Cyber Security - IT Management" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MS in Cyber Security - IT Management" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Information Technology - Database Design" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MS in Information Technology - Database Design" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Information Technology - Healthcare Informatics" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MS in Information Technology - Healthcare Informatics" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Information Technology - Information Security" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MS in Information Technology - Information Security" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Information Technology - Software Application Development" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MS in Information Technology - Software Application Development" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Information Technology - Web Design" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MS in Information Technology - Web Design" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "CompTIA A+ Training Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "CompTIA A+ Training Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "AS in Cybersecurity" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "AS in Cybersecurity" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Business Administration - Project Management" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "BS in Business Administration - Project Management" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Computer Science - Project Management for STEM" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "BS in Computer Science - Project Management for STEM" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Cybersecurity" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "BS in Cybersecurity" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Technical Management" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "BS in Technical Management" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Cyber Security" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MS in Cyber Security" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Cybersecurity (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.6
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DEBUG: Checking offer "Cybersecurity Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" with relevance 0.6
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DEBUG: Checking offer "Cybersecurity (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Cybersecurity (I Have a Bachelors)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MBA - Cybersecurity (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.6
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DEBUG: Checking offer "Ethical Hacking Dual Certification Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" with relevance 0.6
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DEBUG: Checking offer "CCSP Training Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" with relevance 0.6
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DEBUG: Checking offer "CISSP Training Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "CISSP Training Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Science & Engineering Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.6
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DEBUG: Checking offer "Science & Engineering Diploma Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Science & Engineering Diploma Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Computer Information Systems" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "BS in Computer Information Systems" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Cybercrime (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Cybercrime (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "(ISC)² CGRC Training Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "(ISC)² CGRC Training Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
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DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 2 offers with relevance >= 1.0

2026 Best Value Information Technology Schools in the Great Lakes Region

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

Best Value Information Technology Schools

1

Our analysis ranked Moraine Valley Community College the best value for a degree in information technology in the Great Lakes Region. Set in the suburb of Palos Hills, Moraine Valley Community College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,822, while out-of-state students pay about $9,846. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $11,149 in student loans. Early-career information technology graduates make about $43,844. Set against $11,149 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Henry Ford Community College earned it the #2 place for information technology. Located in the city of Dearborn, Henry Ford Community College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,568, compared with $7,816 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $18,876. Information Technology graduates of Henry Ford Community College earn a median of $36,247 early in their careers. Set against $18,876 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Students looking for strong value in information technology will find it at City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Chicago, City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,590 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,150. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $8,093 in student loans. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College generally make around $33,073. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

Lewis And Clark Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in information technology, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Godfrey, Lewis And Clark Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,340 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,840. Students borrow a median of $9,602 to complete the information technology program here. Early-career information technology graduates make about $41,313. Set against $9,602 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5

Students looking for strong value in information technology will find it at City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Chicago, City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,590, with out-of-state students paying around $15,150. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $7,500. Early-career information technology graduates make about $33,326. Set against $7,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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6

Illinois Valley Community College earned the #6 position for value in information technology this year. Located in the town of Oglesby, Illinois Valley Community College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $4,200 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,385. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $8,099 in student loans. Early-career information technology graduates make about $33,224. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

7

Cuyahoga Community College District earned the #7 position for value in information technology this year. Located in the city of Cleveland, Cuyahoga Community College District is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $3,249 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,249. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $14,636 in student loans. Early-career information technology graduates make about $39,394. That is a strong return on a $14,636 median debt.

8

Lorain County Community College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value information technology schools. Located in the suburb of Elyria, Lorain County Community College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,265, with out-of-state students paying around $8,860. Students borrow a median of $17,611 to complete the information technology program here. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from Lorain County Community College generally make around $40,095. That is a strong return on a $17,611 median debt.

9

North Central State College landed the #9 spot for information technology value this year. Located in the rural area of Mansfield, North Central State College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,786, while out-of-state students pay about $11,374. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $12,236 in student loans. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from North Central State College generally make around $47,458. Set against $12,236 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

10

Macomb Community College earned the #10 position for value in information technology this year. Located in the city of Warren, Macomb Community College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $3,660 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,370. Students borrow a median of $9,862 to complete the information technology program here. Early-career information technology graduates make about $38,758. Set against $9,862 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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11

Joliet Junior College came in at #11 for value in information technology 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, while out-of-state students pay about $13,800. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $11,995 in student loans. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from Joliet Junior College generally make around $40,118. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

12

Lansing Community College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value information technology schools. Lansing Community College is a large public school located in the city of Lansing. Students from in state pay about $4,100 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,300. Students borrow a median of $16,700 to complete the information technology program here. Early-career information technology graduates make about $46,103. Set against $16,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

13
College Of Dupage crest
College Of Dupage
Glen Ellyn, IL

College Of Dupage ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value information technology schools. 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, compared with $12,750 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $7,938. Early-career information technology graduates make about $43,025. That is a strong return on a $7,938 median debt.

14
Oakland Community College crest
Oakland Community College
Auburn Hills, MI

Oakland Community College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value information technology schools. Located in the suburb of Auburn Hills, Oakland Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,120, with out-of-state students paying around $5,560. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $15,865 in student loans. Early-career information technology graduates make about $43,205. Set against $15,865 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

15

Elgin Community College earned the #15 position for value in information technology this year. Set in the city of Elgin, Elgin Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,252, while out-of-state students pay about $9,516. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $7,727. Information Technology graduates of Elgin Community College earn a median of $43,975 early in their careers. Set against $7,727 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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16
Harper College crest
Harper College
Palatine, IL

Harper College landed the #16 spot for information technology value this year. Located in the suburb of Palatine, Harper College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,894, compared with $11,874 for out-of-state students. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $10,963 in student loans. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from Harper College generally make around $44,523. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

17
Delta College crest
Delta College
University Center, MI

Delta College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value information technology schools. Set in the rural area of University Center, Delta College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,820 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,880. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $14,075 in student loans. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from Delta College generally make around $37,342. Set against $14,075 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

18

Sinclair Community College earned the #18 position for value in information technology this year. Set in the city of Dayton, Sinclair Community College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,675, while out-of-state students pay about $8,556. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $12,525. Information Technology graduates of Sinclair Community College earn a median of $35,348 early in their careers. Set against $12,525 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

19

Monroe County Community College earned the #19 position for value in information technology this year. Located in the rural area of Monroe, Monroe County Community College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,759, compared with $8,267 for out-of-state students. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $16,031 in student loans. Information Technology 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.

20
Prairie State College crest
Prairie State College
Chicago Heights, IL

Prairie State College landed the #20 spot for information technology value this year. Prairie State College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Chicago Heights. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,176, while out-of-state students pay about $11,064. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $15,663 in student loans. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from Prairie State College generally make around $37,500. That is a strong return on a $15,663 median debt.

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21

Waubonsee Community College earned the #21 position for value in information technology this year. Set in the rural area of Sugar Grove, Waubonsee Community College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,504, with out-of-state students paying around $10,464. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $9,939. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from Waubonsee Community College generally make around $39,659. Set against $9,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

22

Schoolcraft College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value information technology schools. Located in the city of Livonia, Schoolcraft College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,799, with out-of-state students paying around $6,501. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $15,677. Information Technology graduates of Schoolcraft College earn a median of $46,283 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

23

Southwestern Illinois College came in at #23 for value in information technology this year. Located in the suburb of Belleville, Southwestern Illinois College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,230 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,720. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $10,388. Information Technology graduates of Southwestern Illinois College earn a median of $46,355 early in their careers. Set against $10,388 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

24

Cincinnati State Technical And Community College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value information technology schools. Cincinnati State Technical And Community College is a large public school located in the city of Cincinnati. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,517, with out-of-state students paying around $10,044. Students borrow a median of $20,167 to complete the information technology program here. Early-career information technology graduates make about $42,452. Set against $20,167 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

25

City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College landed the #25 spot for information technology value this year. Set in the city of Chicago, City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,590, compared with $15,150 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,250 to complete the information technology program here. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College generally make around $48,264. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Information Technology Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s information technology value ranking:

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

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced 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 · 211 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 55 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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