[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 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 4 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.
Upper Iowa University tops our 2027 list of the best value general computer & information sciences schools in Iowa. Located in the rural area of Fayette, Upper Iowa University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,475. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $34,059 in student loans. Early-career general computer & information sciences graduates make about $51,441. Set against $34,059 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Upper Iowa University admits about 96% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Iowa earned it the #2 place for general computer & information sciences. Located in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $26,025 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from University Of Iowa generally make around $60,199. Set against $26,025 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants.
Drake University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general computer & information sciences, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Des Moines, Drake University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $51,960 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for general computer & information sciences graduates is $21,281. Early-career general computer & information sciences graduates make about $69,835. That is a strong return on a $21,281 median debt. Drake University admits about 64% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Wartburg College earned it the #4 place for general computer & information sciences. Wartburg College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Waverly. Students from in state pay about $26,250 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,793 to complete the general computer & information sciences program here. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates of Wartburg College earn a median of $46,918 early in their careers. Set against $26,793 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%.
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published 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.
