by our College Data Analytics Team
[Informatics](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-information-systems-cis/informatics/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 6 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value informatics schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the informatics degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Suny At Albany the best value for a degree in informatics in New York. Located in the city of Albany, Suny At Albany is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,601, compared with $30,991 for out-of-state students. Informatics graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Early-career informatics graduates make about $49,759. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 69%.
Students looking for strong value in informatics will find it at University At Buffalo, which ranked #2. University At Buffalo is a very large public school located in the suburb of Buffalo. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,936, while out-of-state students pay about $31,536. Students borrow a median of $22,232 to complete the informatics program here. Soon after graduation, informatics degree recipients from University At Buffalo generally make around $52,403. That is a strong return on a $22,232 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Rochester Institute Of Technology one of the best values for informatics. Rochester Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Rochester. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $59,210. Informatics graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Informatics graduates of Rochester Institute Of Technology earn a median of $71,358 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rochester Institute Of Technology admits about 67% of applicants.
A rank of #4 makes New York University one of the best values for informatics. Located in the city of New York, New York University is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $62,796. Typical student debt for informatics graduates is $19,734. Informatics graduates of New York University earn a median of $97,424 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,734 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%.
A rank of #5 makes Syracuse University one of the best values for informatics. Set in the city of Syracuse, Syracuse University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,528. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the informatics program here. Early-career informatics graduates make about $92,292. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 46%.
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 · 6 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.