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.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 12 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for informatics students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the informatics degrees they offer, see the list below.
For return on investment in informatics, no school beat Pennsylvania State University Penn State Abington this year. Pennsylvania State University Penn State Abington is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Abington. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,268, while out-of-state students pay about $25,664. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 97%.
A rank of #2 makes University Of Pittsburgh Greensburg one of the best values for informatics. University Of Pittsburgh Greensburg is a small public school located in the suburb of Greensburg. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,710, while out-of-state students pay about $26,584. Informatics graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, informatics degree recipients from University Of Pittsburgh Greensburg generally make around $49,298. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania earned it the #3 place for informatics. Set in the town of Slippery Rock, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, compared with $14,676 for out-of-state students. Informatics graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Informatics graduates of Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $59,430 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
Pennsylvania State University World Campus came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value informatics schools. Set in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,356 in tuition and fees. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Pennsylvania State University Penn State Harrisburg earned it the #5 place for informatics. Pennsylvania State University Penn State Harrisburg is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Middletown. Students from in state pay about $15,972 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,958. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. Pennsylvania State University Penn State Harrisburg admits about 98% of applicants.
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value informatics schools. Set in the city of Pittsburgh, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,926, while out-of-state students pay about $41,430. Typical student debt for informatics graduates is $27,000. Early-career informatics graduates make about $49,298. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%.
Desales University came in at #7 for value in informatics this year. Located in the suburb of Center Valley, Desales University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,800. Typical student debt for informatics graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, informatics degree recipients from Desales University generally make around $54,798. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.
Widener University Main Campus came in at #8 for value in informatics this year. Widener University Main Campus is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Chester. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,730. Students borrow a median of $26,561 to complete the informatics program here. Soon after graduation, informatics degree recipients from Widener University Main Campus generally make around $60,864. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Widener University Main Campus admits about 71% of applicants.
Pennsylvania State University Main Campus ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value informatics schools. Set in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,644, compared with $41,790 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 61%.
Drexel University earned the #10 position for value in informatics this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $62,412. Typical student debt for informatics graduates is $28,838. Informatics graduates of Drexel University earn a median of $67,556 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $28,838 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 12 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.