[General Computer & Information Sciences](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-information-systems-cis/general-computer-information-sciences/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong general computer & information sciences education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 7 schools to find the best return on investment 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.
Marshall University tops our 2026 list of the best value general computer & information sciences schools in West Virginia. Located in the city of Huntington, Marshall University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,162, compared with $20,342 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general computer & information sciences graduates is $28,375. Early-career general computer & information sciences graduates make about $52,047. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Marshall University admits about 96% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in general computer & information sciences will find it at Fairmont State University, which ranked #2. Set in the town of Fairmont, Fairmont State University is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,708, compared with $18,924 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,500 to complete the general computer & information sciences program here. Early-career general computer & information sciences graduates make about $64,975. That is a strong return on a $24,500 median debt. Fairmont State University admits about 99% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in general computer & information sciences will find it at Shepherd University, which ranked #3. Located in the rural area of Shepherdstown, Shepherd University is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $9,056 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,082. Students borrow a median of $21,830 to complete the general computer & information sciences program here. Early-career general computer & information sciences graduates make about $57,265. That is a strong return on a $21,830 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.
Bluefield State College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value general computer & information sciences schools. Set in the town of Bluefield, Bluefield State College is a small public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,648, with out-of-state students paying around $18,376. Students borrow a median of $24,791 to complete the general computer & information sciences program here. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates of Bluefield State College earn a median of $46,103 early in their careers. Set against $24,791 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%.
Salem International University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value general computer & information sciences schools. Located in the rural area of Salem, Salem International University is a small private for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,070. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $27,037 in student loans. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates of Salem International University earn a median of $51,133 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,037 median debt.
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Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 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.
