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2026 Best Value Systems Theory Schools in Pennsylvania

[Systems Theory](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/systems-science-theory/) 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 3 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for systems theory students.

What’s on this page:

• Best Value Systems Theory Schools in Pennsylvania

2026 Best Value Systems Theory Schools in Pennsylvania

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in systems theory, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Systems Theory Schools

1

Pennsylvania Western University
California, PA

$11,436 In-State Tuition & Fees

$47,295 Median Earnings (10yr)

Our analysis ranked Pennsylvania Western University the best value for a degree in systems theory in Pennsylvania. Set in the town of California, Pennsylvania Western University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,436, with out-of-state students paying around $16,054. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,295. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.

2

Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA

$65,636 In-State Tuition & Fees

$23,250 Avg Student Debt

$114,862 Median Earnings (10yr)

Carnegie Mellon University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value systems theory schools. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,636. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete the systems theory program here. Soon after graduation, systems theory degree recipients from Carnegie Mellon University generally make around $95,598. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Carnegie Mellon University admits about 12% of applicants.

View All Systems Theory Rankings >

Notes and References

The ranking above is published 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 · 3 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 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.