[Information Technology](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-information-systems-cis/information-technology/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 9 schools to find the best return on investment for information technology students.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in information technology, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is Northern Kentucky University, our #1 best value for information technology in Kentucky. Northern Kentucky University is a large public school located in the suburb of Highland Heights. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,088, with out-of-state students paying around $21,912. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the information technology program here. Early-career information technology graduates make about $62,411. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Kentucky University admits about 68% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Murray State University earned it the #2 place for information technology. Set in the town of Murray, Murray State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,900 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,836 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $23,420. Information Technology graduates of Murray State University earn a median of $48,423 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Kentucky State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value information technology schools. Located in the town of Frankfort, Kentucky State University is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,387, compared with $13,578 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $29,774. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from Kentucky State University generally make around $28,497. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in information technology will find it at Western Kentucky University, which ranked #4. Western Kentucky University is a large public school located in the city of Bowling Green. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,652, with out-of-state students paying around $27,000. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from Western Kentucky University generally make around $48,863. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Western Kentucky University admits about 94% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of The Cumberlands earned it the #5 place for information technology. Located in the town of Williamsburg, University Of The Cumberlands is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,875. Students borrow a median of $23,951 to complete the information technology program here. Information Technology graduates of University Of The Cumberlands earn a median of $40,725 early in their careers. Set against $23,951 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of The Cumberlands admits about 99% of applicants.
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced 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 · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 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.
