College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2024 Best Information Science Schools

196 Colleges in the United States
18,325 IS Degrees Awarded
$59,394 Avg Early-Career Salary
Information Science is above average in terms of popularity with it being the #58 most popular degree program in the country. So, you have a fair amount of options to choose from when looking for a school.

For its 2024 ranking, College Factual looked at 196 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for information science students pursuing a degree. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 18,325 degrees in information science during the 2020-2021 academic year.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Information Science School

Best Information Science Schools The is program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Information Science rankings. In order to come up with a best overall ranking for information science schools, we combine our degree-level rankings, weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each level.

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

Pick Your Information Science Degree Level

Associate Degrees in IS
Bachelor's Degrees in IS
Master's Degrees in IS
Doctor's Degrees in IS

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings, including this Best Information Science Schools list to help you make the college decision. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Read more about College Factual's methodology.

Best Schools for Information Science in the United States

If you aren't interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the is degrees they offer, see the list below. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in IS

1
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
100 IS Degrees Awarded
$97,920 Median Starting Salary

Northwestern University is a good option for students interested in a degree in information science. Northwestern is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the small city of Evanston. A Best Colleges rank of #5 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Northwestern is a great university overall.

There were about 100 information science students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent year we have data available. Those information science students who get their degree from Northwestern University receive $38,526 more than the standard is grad.

More information about a degree in information science from Northwestern University

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
373 IS Degrees Awarded
11.0% Growth in Graduates

University of California - Berkeley is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in information science. UC Berkeley is a fairly large public university located in the midsize city of Berkeley. A Best Colleges rank of #18 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UC Berkeley is a great university overall.

There were about 373 information science students who graduated with this degree at UC Berkeley in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the information science major at University of California - Berkeley make $69,198 above the typical graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in information science from University of California - Berkeley

3
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In IL
388 IS Degrees Awarded

It is hard to beat University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign if you want to pursue a degree in information science. Located in the small city of Champaign, UIUC is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #34 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UIUC is a great university overall.

There were about 388 information science students who graduated with this degree at UIUC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in information science from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
674 IS Degrees Awarded
12.3% Growth in Graduates

It's hard to beat University of Maryland - College Park if you wish to pursue a degree in information science. UMCP is a very large public university located in the suburb of College Park. A Best Colleges rank of #42 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UMCP is a great university overall.

There were approximately 674 information science students who graduated with this degree at UMCP in the most recent year we have data available. Those information science students who get their degree from University of Maryland - College Park receive $21,133 more than the standard is graduate.

More information about a degree in information science from University of Maryland - College Park

5
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
74 IS Degrees Awarded
$108,932 Median Starting Salary

Johns Hopkins is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Baltimore. A Best Colleges rank of #23 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Johns Hopkins is a great university overall.

There were approximately 74 information science students who graduated with this degree at Johns Hopkins in the most recent data year. Those information science students who get their degree from Johns Hopkins University receive $49,538 more than the average is graduate.

More information about a degree in information science from Johns Hopkins University

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
212 IS Degrees Awarded
20.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Seattle, UW Seattle is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #37 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UW Seattle is a great university overall.

There were about 212 information science students who graduated with this degree at UW Seattle in the most recent year we have data available. Information Science degree recipients from University of Washington - Seattle Campus get an earnings boost of approximately $30,762 over the average earnings of information science graduates.

More information about a degree in information science from University of Washington - Seattle Campus

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
390 IS Degrees Awarded
$65,785 Median Starting Salary

U-M is a very large public university located in the midsize city of Ann Arbor. A Best Colleges rank of #29 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means U-M is a great university overall.

There were approximately 390 information science students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent year we have data available. Information Science degree recipients from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor earn a boost of approximately $6,391 over the typical income of information science majors.

More information about a degree in information science from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

8
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
132 IS Degrees Awarded
$54,885 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Austin, UT Austin is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #36 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UT Austin is a great university overall.

There were approximately 132 information science students who graduated with this degree at UT Austin in the most recent year we have data available. After graduating, is degree recipients usually make an average of $54,885 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in information science from The University of Texas at Austin

9
Harvard crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
10th Most Popular In MA

Harvard is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the midsize city of Cambridge. A Best Colleges rank of #6 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Harvard is a great university overall.

There were approximately 11 information science students who graduated with this degree at Harvard in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in information science from Harvard University

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
8th Most Popular In GA
72.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Atlanta, Georgia Tech is a public school with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #24 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Georgia Tech is a great school overall.

There were approximately 11 information science students who graduated with this degree at Georgia Tech in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in information science from Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus

10
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
86 IS Degrees Awarded
$78,400 Median Starting Salary

GWU is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Washington. This university ranks 2nd out of 8 colleges for overall quality in the state of District of Columbia.

There were about 86 information science students who graduated with this degree at GWU in the most recent data year. Those information science students who get their degree from George Washington University make $19,006 more than the standard is graduate.

More information about a degree in information science from George Washington University

11
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
116 IS Degrees Awarded
$115,112 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large suburb of Dallas, SMU is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 4th out of 115 colleges for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were about 116 information science students who graduated with this degree at SMU in the most recent data year. Those information science students who get their degree from Southern Methodist University make $55,718 more than the typical is grad.

More information about a degree in information science from Southern Methodist University

12
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
2,322 IS Degrees Awarded
9.8% Growth in Graduates

UMGC is a fairly large public university located in the large suburb of Adelphi. This university ranks 3rd out of 36 schools for overall quality in the state of Maryland.

There were roughly 2322 information science students who graduated with this degree at UMGC in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the information science major at University of Maryland Global Campus get $19,399 above the standard college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in information science from University of Maryland Global Campus

13
Boston U crest
Boston University
Boston, MA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
286 IS Degrees Awarded
$92,380 Median Starting Salary

Boston U is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Boston. This university ranks 6th out of 63 schools for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were roughly 286 information science students who graduated with this degree at Boston U in the most recent year we have data available. Information Science degree recipients from Boston University get an earnings boost of about $32,986 over the typical income of information science majors.

More information about a degree in information science from Boston University

14
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
111 IS Degrees Awarded
$57,392 Median Starting Salary

UNC Chapel Hill is a very large public university located in the city of Chapel Hill. A Best Colleges rank of #43 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UNC Chapel Hill is a great university overall.

There were roughly 111 information science students who graduated with this degree at UNC Chapel Hill in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the is program state that they receive average early career wages of $57,392.

More information about a degree in information science from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

15
Syracuse crest
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
343 IS Degrees Awarded
$69,731 Median Starting Salary

Syracuse is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the medium-sized city of Syracuse. This university ranks 12th out of 142 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were roughly 343 information science students who graduated with this degree at Syracuse in the most recent year we have data available. Information Science degree recipients from Syracuse University get an earnings boost of approximately $10,337 over the average income of information science graduates.

More information about a degree in information science from Syracuse University

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
200 IS Degrees Awarded
$62,719 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Pitt is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 7th out of 109 schools for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were roughly 200 information science students who graduated with this degree at Pitt in the most recent data year. Those information science students who get their degree from University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus receive $3,325 more than the typical is grad.

More information about a degree in information science from University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus

17
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
8th Most Popular In MA
8.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Boston, BHCC is a public college with a moderately-sized student population. This college ranks 22nd out of 63 schools for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were roughly 24 information science students who graduated with this degree at BHCC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in information science from Bunker Hill Community College

18
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
5th Most Popular In CA
83.3% Growth in Graduates

Caltech is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pasadena. A Best Colleges rank of #31 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Caltech is a great school overall.

There were roughly 6 information science students who graduated with this degree at Caltech in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in information science from California Institute of Technology

19
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
505 IS Degrees Awarded
12.1% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of Baltimore, UMBC is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 4th out of 36 colleges for overall quality in the state of Maryland.

There were roughly 505 information science students who graduated with this degree at UMBC in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the information science program at University of Maryland - Baltimore County make $11,198 more than the typical college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in information science from University of Maryland - Baltimore County

20
Drexel crest
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
176 IS Degrees Awarded
37.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Philadelphia, Drexel is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. This university ranks 10th out of 109 colleges for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were approximately 176 information science students who graduated with this degree at Drexel in the most recent data year. Those information science students who get their degree from Drexel University earn $15,269 more than the standard is student.

More information about a degree in information science from Drexel University

21
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
33rd Most Popular In NY
9.1% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of New York, Columbia is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #14 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Columbia is a great university overall.

There were about 11 information science students who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in information science from Columbia University in the City of New York

22
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
521 IS Degrees Awarded
7.5% Growth in Graduates

Rutgers New Brunswick is a very large public university located in the small city of New Brunswick. This university ranks 3rd out of 44 schools for overall quality in the state of New Jersey.

There were roughly 521 information science students who graduated with this degree at Rutgers New Brunswick in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduation, is degree recipients typically earn around $50,688 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in information science from Rutgers University - New Brunswick

23
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
217 IS Degrees Awarded
$75,040 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Newark, NJIT is a public school with a large student population. This school ranks 4th out of 44 colleges for overall quality in the state of New Jersey.

There were roughly 217 information science students who graduated with this degree at NJIT in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the information science program at New Jersey Institute of Technology earn $15,646 more than the standard college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in information science from New Jersey Institute of Technology

24
JMU crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
168 IS Degrees Awarded
$70,020 Median Starting Salary

JMU is a very large public university located in the city of Harrisonburg. This university ranks 6th out of 63 schools for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were roughly 168 information science students who graduated with this degree at JMU in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the information science degree program at James Madison University get $10,626 more than the typical college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in information science from James Madison University

Rest of the Top Best Information Science Schools

26
27
U of U crest
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT
28
DePaul crest
DePaul University
Chicago, IL
29

Additional Noteworthy Schools

Here are some additional great schools for Information Science students that almost earned our Best Information Science Schools award.

Rank College Location
30 The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson, TX
31 Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, IN
32 Missouri University of Science and Technology Rolla, MO
33 University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN
33 New York University New York, NY
34 George Mason University Fairfax, VA
35 University of Chicago Chicago, IL
36 Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA
37 Robert Morris University Moon Township, PA
38 University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL
39 University of Massachusetts - Lowell Lowell, MA

Information Science by Region

View the Best Information Science Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Other U.S. Territories
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

Information Science is one of 10 different types of Computer & Information Sciences programs to choose from.

IS Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
General Information Science 18,325

View All IS Focus Areas >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Computer Information Systems 88,434
Computer Science 59,565
Information Technology 40,555
Computer Systems Networking 14,700
Computer Software & Applications 14,336
Computer Programming 11,939
Computer Systems Analysis 2,338
Data Processing 1,955
Other Computer & Information Sciences 1,755
Data Entry 552

View All IS Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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College Rankings
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