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2026 Best Value Information Technology Schools in Illinois

11 Colleges in the United States
$14,765 Avg Student Debt
$47,537 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Information Technology Badge [Information Technology](/majors/computer-information-sciences/it-information-technology/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 63 schools to find the best return on investment 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
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DEBUG: ✗ Offer "BS in Technical Management" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Cyber Security" with relevance 0.7
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DEBUG: Checking offer "MBA - Cybersecurity (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.6
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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 "BS in Computer Information Systems" with relevance 0.6
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2026 Best Value Information Technology Schools in Illinois

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in information technology, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Information Technology Schools

1

Moraine Valley Community College tops our 2026 list of the best value information technology schools in Illinois. Located in the suburb of Palos Hills, Moraine Valley Community College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,822, while out-of-state students pay about $9,846. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $11,149. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from Moraine Valley Community College generally make around $43,844. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value information technology schools. City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College is a large public school located in the city of Chicago. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,590, compared with $15,150 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,093 to complete the information technology program here. Information Technology graduates of City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College earn a median of $33,073 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $8,093 median debt.

3

Students looking for strong value in information technology will find it at City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College, which ranked #3. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $15,150. Students borrow a median of $7,500 to complete the information technology program here. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College generally make around $33,326. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

A rank of #4 makes Lewis And Clark Community College one of the best values for information technology. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $7,840. Students borrow a median of $9,602 to complete the information technology program here. Information Technology graduates of Lewis And Clark Community College earn a median of $41,313 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

5

Illinois Valley Community College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value information technology schools. Illinois Valley Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Oglesby. In-state tuition and fees average $4,200, with out-of-state students paying around $16,385. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $8,099. Information Technology 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.

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Joliet Junior College came in at #6 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, with out-of-state students paying around $13,800. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $11,995 in student loans. Information Technology graduates of Joliet Junior College earn a median of $40,118 early in their careers. Set against $11,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

7

Elgin Community College landed the #7 spot for information technology value 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. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $7,727 in student loans. Early-career information technology graduates make about $43,975. That is a strong return on a $7,727 median debt.

8
Prairie State College crest
Prairie State College
Chicago Heights, IL

Prairie State College earned the #8 position for value in information technology this year. Set in the suburb of Chicago Heights, Prairie State College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,176, while out-of-state students pay about $11,064. Students borrow a median of $15,663 to complete the information technology program here. 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.

9
College Of Dupage crest
College Of Dupage
Glen Ellyn, IL

College Of Dupage came in at #9 for value in information technology this year. College Of Dupage is a very large public school located in the suburb of Glen Ellyn. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,560, with out-of-state students paying around $12,750. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $7,938 in student loans. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from College Of Dupage generally make around $43,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

10
Harper College crest
Harper College
Palatine, IL

Harper College placed #10 among the best values for information technology. Harper College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Palatine. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,894, compared with $11,874 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $10,963. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from Harper College generally make around $44,523. Set against $10,963 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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11

Waubonsee Community College earned the #11 position for value in information technology this year. Located in the rural area of Sugar Grove, Waubonsee Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,504, with out-of-state students paying around $10,464. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $9,939 in student loans. Information Technology graduates of Waubonsee Community College earn a median of $39,659 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

12

City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value information technology schools. Located in the city of Chicago, City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,590, with out-of-state students paying around $15,150. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $10,250 in student loans. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College generally make around $48,264. That is a strong return on a $10,250 median debt.

13

City Colleges Of Chicago Olive Harvey College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value information technology schools. Located in the city of Chicago, City Colleges Of Chicago Olive Harvey College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,590, while out-of-state students pay about $15,150. Students borrow a median of $8,478 to complete the information technology program here. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from City Colleges Of Chicago Olive Harvey College generally make around $25,842. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

14

Kishwaukee College earned the #14 position for value in information technology this year. Set in the rural area of Malta, Kishwaukee College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,560, while out-of-state students pay about $13,680. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $10,328 in student loans. Information Technology graduates of Kishwaukee College earn a median of $30,398 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,328 median debt.

15

Spoon River College placed #15 among the best values for information technology. Set in the rural area of Canton, Spoon River College is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,090, while out-of-state students pay about $13,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,386 ten years after entry.

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16

Southwestern Illinois College came in at #16 for value in information technology this year. Set in the suburb of Belleville, Southwestern Illinois College is a large public institution. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

17
Kaskaskia College crest
Kaskaskia College
Centralia, IL

Kaskaskia College placed #17 among the best values for information technology. Kaskaskia College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Centralia. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,570. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $7,875 in student loans. Information Technology graduates of Kaskaskia College earn a median of $45,658 early in their careers. Set against $7,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

18
Parkland College crest
Parkland College
Champaign, IL

Parkland College landed the #18 spot for information technology value this year. Located in the city of Champaign, Parkland College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,284, while out-of-state students pay about $13,266. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $10,168 in student loans. Early-career information technology graduates make about $40,409. Set against $10,168 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

19

University Of Illinois At Springfield earned the #19 position for value in information technology this year. University Of Illinois At Springfield is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Springfield. In-state tuition and fees average $12,557, while out-of-state students pay about $20,139. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $21,677 in student loans. Early-career information technology graduates make about $53,344. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

20
Governors State University crest
Governors State University
University Park, IL

Governors State University came in at #20 for value in information technology this year. Located in the suburb of University Park, Governors State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,004. Students borrow a median of $24,990 to complete the information technology program here. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from Governors State University generally make around $51,711. That is a strong return on a $24,990 median debt. Governors State University admits about 48% of applicants.

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John A Logan College crest
John A Logan College
Carterville, IL

John A Logan College landed the #21 spot for information technology value this year. John A Logan College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Carterville. In-state tuition and fees average $4,630, compared with $7,540 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $10,479. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from John A Logan College generally make around $40,806. That is a strong return on a $10,479 median debt.

22

Heartland Community College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value information technology schools. Located in the suburb of Normal, Heartland Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,550, while out-of-state students pay about $13,110. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $13,266 in student loans. Information Technology graduates of Heartland Community College earn a median of $48,710 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

23

Eastern Illinois University placed #23 among the best values for information technology. Located in the town of Charleston, Eastern Illinois University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,859. Students borrow a median of $24,293 to complete the information technology program here. Early-career information technology graduates make about $43,603. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern Illinois University admits about 65% of applicants.

24
Lewis University crest
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL

Lewis University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value information technology schools. Lewis University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Romeoville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,200. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $27,000. Information Technology graduates of Lewis University earn a median of $65,443 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lewis University admits about 71% of applicants.

25

Illinois State University earned the #25 position for value in information technology this year. Located in the suburb of Normal, Illinois State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $21,896 in student loans. Early-career information technology graduates make about $49,660. Set against $21,896 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.

Rest of the Top 29 Best Value Information Technology Schools

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

26
27
28
Depaul University crest
Depaul University
Chicago, IL
29

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published 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 · 63 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 11 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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