[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 19 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 Rio Salado College the best value for a degree in information technology in Arizona. Set in the city of Tempe, Rio Salado College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,958. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $13,679 in student loans. Information Technology graduates of Rio Salado College earn a median of $48,564 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,679 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes Phoenix College one of the best values for information technology. Phoenix College is a large public school located in the city of Phoenix. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $15,204. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from Phoenix College generally make around $51,053. That is a strong return on a $15,204 median debt.
Estrella Mountain Community College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value information technology schools. Estrella Mountain Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Avondale. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Students borrow a median of $21,752 to complete the information technology program here. Information Technology graduates of Estrella Mountain Community College earn a median of $78,359 early in their careers. Set against $21,752 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Chandler Gilbert Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in information technology, landing the #4 spot this year. Chandler Gilbert Community College is a large public school located in the city of Chandler. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Students borrow a median of $10,447 to complete the information technology program here. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from Chandler Gilbert Community College generally make around $46,943. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in information technology will find it at Gateway Community College Phoenix, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Phoenix, Gateway Community College Phoenix is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $15,736. Early-career information technology graduates make about $50,350. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Mesa Community College placed #6 among the best values for information technology. Mesa Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Mesa. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Students borrow a median of $13,750 to complete the information technology program here. Information Technology graduates of Mesa Community College earn a median of $54,730 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Arizona State University placed #7 among the best values for information technology. Located in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,312 to complete the information technology program here. Soon after graduation, information technology degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $55,876. Set against $15,312 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants.
University Of Phoenix Arizona came in at #8 for value in information technology this year. Located in the city of Phoenix, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a very large private for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,552. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $32,771. Information Technology graduates of University Of Phoenix Arizona earn a median of $57,809 early in their careers. Set against $32,771 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
American Intercontinental University Online ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value information technology schools. Set in the city of Chandler, American Intercontinental University Online is a very large private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,397. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $45,606 in student loans. Information Technology graduates of American Intercontinental University Online earn a median of $58,783 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Northern Arizona University landed the #10 spot for information technology value this year. Located in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,619, compared with $20,044 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $21,645. Early-career information technology graduates make about $47,056. Set against $21,645 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
University Of Arizona landed the #11 spot for information technology value this year. University Of Arizona is a very large public school located in the city of Tucson. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Information Technology graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Information Technology graduates of University Of Arizona earn a median of $73,057 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Grand Canyon University earned the #12 position for value in information technology this year. Located in the city of Phoenix, Grand Canyon University is a very large private for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,508. Typical student debt for information technology graduates is $29,750. Early-career information technology graduates make about $78,393. Set against $29,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%.
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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 · 19 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.
