[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.
College Factual analyzed 4 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value general computer & information sciences schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general computer & information sciences, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Marshall University the best value for a degree in general computer & information sciences in West Virginia. Marshall University is a large public school located in the city of Huntington. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,162, compared with $20,342 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,375 to complete the general computer & information sciences program here. Early-career general computer & information sciences graduates make about $52,047. Set against $28,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
Fairmont State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general computer & information sciences, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the town of Fairmont, Fairmont State University is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,708, compared with $18,924 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general computer & information sciences graduates is $24,500. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates of Fairmont State University earn a median of $64,975 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Shepherd University earned it the #3 place for general computer & information sciences. Set in the rural area of Shepherdstown, Shepherd University is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,056, while out-of-state students pay about $19,082. Typical student debt for general computer & information sciences graduates is $21,830. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates of Shepherd University earn a median of $57,265 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,830 median debt. The acceptance rate is 97%.
Salem International University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general computer & information sciences, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the rural area of Salem, Salem International University is a small private for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $12,070 in tuition and fees. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $27,037 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from Salem International University generally make around $51,133. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, 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.
