[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 best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 7 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value general computer & information sciences schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general computer & information sciences degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is South Dakota State University, our #1 best value for general computer & information sciences in South Dakota. South Dakota State University is a large public school located in the town of Brookings. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Typical student debt for general computer & information sciences graduates is $22,748. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates of South Dakota State University earn a median of $73,770 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of South Dakota earned it the #2 place for general computer & information sciences. Located in the town of Vermillion, University Of South Dakota is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $26,322 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from University Of South Dakota generally make around $51,566. Set against $26,322 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.
Dakota State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general computer & information sciences, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the town of Madison, Dakota State University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,654, while out-of-state students pay about $12,756. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete the general computer & information sciences program here. General Computer & Information Sciences graduates of Dakota State University earn a median of $72,367 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value general computer & information sciences schools. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Rapid City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,500, with out-of-state students paying around $14,900. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the general computer & information sciences program here. Soon after graduation, general computer & information sciences degree recipients from South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology generally make around $78,193. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%.
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published 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 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.
