[Information Technology](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-information-systems-cis/information-technology/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 18 schools to find the best return on investment 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.
Our analysis ranked John Tyler Community College the best value for a degree in information technology in Virginia. Set in the suburb of Chester, John Tyler Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,082, with out-of-state students paying around $11,520. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $8,250. Early-career information technology graduates make about $40,984. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northern Virginia Community College earned it the #2 place for information technology. Located in the suburb of Annandale, Northern Virginia Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,891, compared with $12,410 for out-of-state students. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $12,448 in student loans. Information Technology graduates of Northern Virginia Community College earn a median of $39,679 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Thomas Nelson Community College earned it the #3 place for information technology. Located in the suburb of Hampton, Thomas Nelson Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,088, while out-of-state students pay about $11,526. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $14,402. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from Thomas Nelson Community College generally make around $36,758. That is a strong return on a $14,402 median debt.
George Mason University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value information technology schools. Located in the suburb of Fairfax, George Mason University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,220, compared with $38,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete the information technology program here. Early-career information technology graduates make about $104,407. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Students looking for strong value in information technology will find it at Norfolk State University, which ranked #5. Norfolk State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Norfolk. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,180, with out-of-state students paying around $21,682. Information Technology graduates of Norfolk State University earn a median of $54,971 early in their careers. Norfolk State University admits about 88% of applicants.
James Madison University placed #6 among the best values for information technology. Located in the city of Harrisonburg, James Madison University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,966, compared with $31,312 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $21,470. Information Technology graduates of James Madison University earn a median of $81,761 early in their careers. Set against $21,470 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #7 for value in information technology this year. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a very large public school located in the suburb of Charlottesville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,783 to complete the information technology program here. Information Technology graduates of University Of Virginia Main Campus earn a median of $98,067 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Virginia Main Campus admits about 17% of applicants.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #8 for value in information technology this year. Set in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the information technology program here. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University generally make around $60,004. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%.
Marymount University landed the #9 spot for information technology value this year. Set in the city of Arlington, Marymount University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,120. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from Marymount University generally make around $77,023. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
National College Salem ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value information technology schools. National College Salem is a small private for-profit school located in the suburb of Salem. Students from in state pay about $10,716 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $27,930. Information Technology graduates of National College Salem earn a median of $27,900 early in their careers. Set against $27,930 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Liberty University earned the #11 position for value in information technology this year. Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Lynchburg. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $28,068 in student loans. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from Liberty University generally make around $70,914. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%.
University Of Richmond landed the #12 spot for information technology value this year. Set in the city of University of Richmond, University Of Richmond is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,230 in tuition and fees. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $23,381 in student loans. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from University Of Richmond generally make around $76,763. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Richmond admits about 22% of applicants.
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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 · 18 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 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.
