by our College Data Analytics Team
[Information Technology](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-information-systems-cis/information-technology/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 14 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for information technology students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the information technology degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Oakland Community College, our #1 best value for information technology in Michigan. Located in the suburb of Auburn Hills, Oakland Community College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,120, while out-of-state students pay about $5,560. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $15,865. Early-career information technology graduates make about $43,205. That is a strong return on a $15,865 median debt.
Macomb Community College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value information technology schools. Located in the city of Warren, Macomb Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,660, while out-of-state students pay about $8,370. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $9,862 in student loans. Early-career information technology graduates make about $38,758. Set against $9,862 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of Michigan Dearborn came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value information technology schools. Set in the city of Dearborn, University Of Michigan Dearborn is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,640 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $32,896. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the information technology program here. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from University Of Michigan Dearborn generally make around $77,273. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Michigan Dearborn admits about 56% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in information technology will find it at Ferris State University, which ranked #4. Ferris State University is a large public school located in the town of Big Rapids. Students from in state pay about $14,778 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,813 to complete the information technology program here. Information Technology graduates of Ferris State University earn a median of $65,597 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
Oakland University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value information technology schools. Located in the suburb of Rochester Hills, Oakland University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $17,167, while out-of-state students pay about $24,735. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from Oakland University generally make around $66,537. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Central Michigan University earned the #6 position for value in information technology this year. Central Michigan University is a large public school located in the town of Mount Pleasant. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the information technology program here. Early-career information technology graduates make about $68,987. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
Grand Valley State University came in at #7 for value in information technology this year. Grand Valley State University is a very large public school located in the town of Allendale. Students from in state pay about $15,502 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the information technology program here. Information Technology graduates of Grand Valley State University earn a median of $86,779 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Grand Valley State University admits about 83% of applicants.
Lawrence Technological University landed the #8 spot for information technology value this year. Lawrence Technological University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Southfield. In-state tuition and fees average $44,760. Students borrow a median of $27,799 to complete the information technology program here. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from Lawrence Technological University generally make around $74,924. Set against $27,799 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted.
This ranking is produced 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 · 14 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.