2026 Best Value Systems Science & Theory Bachelor’s Degree Schools

1

Stanford University
Stanford, CA

For return on investment in systems science & theory, no school beat Stanford University this year. Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Stanford. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,910. Typical student debt for systems science & theory graduates is $10,492. Early-career systems science & theory graduates make about $100,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Stanford University admits about 4% of applicants.

2

Marshall University
Huntington, WV

Marshall University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value systems science & theory schools. Marshall University is a large public school located in the city of Huntington. Students from in state pay about $9,162 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,342. Students borrow a median of $25,250 to complete the systems science & theory program here. Early-career systems science & theory graduates make about $29,539. That is a strong return on a $25,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.

3

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value systems science & theory schools. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public school located in the city of Champaign. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Typical student debt for systems science & theory graduates is $20,600. Systems Science & Theory graduates of University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn a median of $35,239 early in their careers. Set against $20,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%.

4

University Of Chicago
Chicago, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Chicago earned it the #4 place for systems science & theory. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $69,324. Typical student debt for systems science & theory graduates is $15,854. Early-career systems science & theory graduates make about $81,002. That is a strong return on a $15,854 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%.

5

Pennsylvania Western University
California, PA

A rank of #5 makes Pennsylvania Western University one of the best values for systems science & theory. Set in the town of California, Pennsylvania Western University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,436 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,054 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $47,295 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 94%.

6

University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value systems science & theory schools. Set in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Typical student debt for systems science & theory graduates is $24,463. Early-career systems science & theory graduates make about $57,375. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

7

James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA

James Madison University placed #7 among the best values for systems science & theory. James Madison University is a very large public school located in the city of Harrisonburg. In-state tuition and fees average $13,966, while out-of-state students pay about $31,312. Typical student debt for systems science & theory graduates is $22,301. Early-career systems science & theory graduates make about $65,683. That is a strong return on a $22,301 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%.

8

Claremont Mckenna College
Claremont, CA

Claremont Mckenna College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value systems science & theory schools. Claremont Mckenna College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Claremont. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,980. Typical student debt for systems science & theory graduates is $12,000. Systems Science & Theory graduates of Claremont Mckenna College earn a median of $66,028 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Claremont Mckenna College admits about 10% of applicants.

9

Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA

Carnegie Mellon University came in at #9 for value in systems science & theory this year. Set in the city of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,636. Typical student debt for systems science & theory graduates is $23,250. Systems Science & Theory graduates of Carnegie Mellon University earn a median of $95,598 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted.

10

Rhode Island School Of Design
Providence, RI

Rhode Island School Of Design landed the #10 spot for systems science & theory value this year. Set in the city of Providence, Rhode Island School Of Design is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,688. Systems Science & Theory graduates carry a median of $26,748 in student loans. Soon after graduation, systems science & theory degree recipients from Rhode Island School Of Design generally make around $34,265. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rhode Island School Of Design admits about 19% of applicants.