[General Computer & Information Sciences](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-information-systems-cis/general-computer-information-sciences/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 4 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for general computer & information sciences students.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general computer & information sciences, balancing cost against outcomes.
Southwest Tennessee Community College earned the #1 spot for value among general computer & information sciences schools in Tennessee. Set in the city of Memphis, Southwest Tennessee Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,766, while out-of-state students pay about $17,750. 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. Set against $11,406 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in general computer & information sciences will find it at East Tennessee State University, which ranked #2. East Tennessee State University is a large public school located in the city of Johnson City. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,216, while out-of-state students pay about $13,726. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $24,669 in student loans. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates of East Tennessee State University earn a median of $52,008 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Fisk University earned it the #3 place for general computer & information sciences. Set in the city of Nashville, Fisk University is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,858. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $26,310 in student loans. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates of Fisk University earn a median of $38,089 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,310 median debt. The acceptance rate is 37%.
A rank of #4 makes Belmont University one of the best values for general computer & information sciences. Set in the city of Nashville, Belmont University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $42,540. Typical student debt for general computer & information sciences graduates is $23,447. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from Belmont University generally make around $49,699. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%.
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 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.
