[General Computer & Information Sciences](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-information-systems-cis/general-computer-information-sciences/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 12 schools to find the best return on investment for general computer & information sciences students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general computer & information sciences degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Southwest Tennessee Community College the best value for a degree in general computer & information sciences in Tennessee. Set in the city of Memphis, Southwest Tennessee Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,766, compared with $17,750 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general computer & information sciences graduates is $11,406. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from Southwest Tennessee Community College generally make around $43,592. That is a strong return on a $11,406 median debt.
East Tennessee State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value general computer & information sciences schools. East Tennessee State University is a large public school located in the city of Johnson City. In-state tuition and fees average $10,216, compared with $13,726 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general computer & information sciences graduates is $24,669. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from East Tennessee State University generally make around $52,008. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. East Tennessee State University admits about 86% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Fisk University earned it the #3 place for general computer & information sciences. Located in the city of Nashville, Fisk University is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $25,858 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,310 to complete the general computer & information sciences program here. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates of Fisk University earn a median of $38,089 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fisk University admits about 37% of applicants.
Belmont University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general computer & information sciences, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Nashville, Belmont University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,540. Typical student debt for general computer & information sciences graduates is $23,447. Early-career general computer & information sciences graduates make about $49,699. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.
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Notes and References
This list is compiled 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 · 12 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 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.
