[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. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 12 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.
Our analysis ranked University Of Iowa the best value for a degree in general computer & information sciences in Iowa. University Of Iowa is a very large public school located in the city of Iowa City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Students borrow a median of $26,025 to complete the general computer & information sciences program here. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates of University Of Iowa earn a median of $60,199 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,025 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%.
A rank of #2 makes Wartburg College one of the best values for general computer & information sciences. Set in the town of Waverly, Wartburg College is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $26,250. Typical student debt for general computer & information sciences graduates is $26,793. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from Wartburg College generally make around $46,918. That is a strong return on a $26,793 median debt. Wartburg College admits about 76% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Upper Iowa University earned it the #3 place for general computer & information sciences. Upper Iowa University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Fayette. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,475. Typical student debt for general computer & information sciences graduates is $34,059. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from Upper Iowa University generally make around $51,441. Set against $34,059 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
Drake University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value general computer & information sciences schools. Set in the city of Des Moines, Drake University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,960. Students borrow a median of $21,281 to complete the general computer & information sciences program here. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from Drake University generally make around $69,835. Set against $21,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.
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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 · 12 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 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.
