[Computer Information Systems](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-information-systems-cis/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 11 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value computer information systems schools.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the computer information systems degrees they offer, see the list below.
For return on investment in computer information systems, no school beat Francis Marion University this year. Francis Marion University is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Florence. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,170, while out-of-state students pay about $21,544. Typical student debt for computer information systems graduates is $30,577. Soon after graduation, computer information systems degree recipients from Francis Marion University generally make around $41,456. Set against $30,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Francis Marion University admits about 86% of applicants.
University Of South Carolina Upstate is a great value for students pursuing a degree in computer information systems, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Spartanburg, University Of South Carolina Upstate is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,588, with out-of-state students paying around $23,090. Computer Information Systems graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Computer Information Systems graduates of University Of South Carolina Upstate earn a median of $49,999 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted.
Winthrop University came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value computer information systems schools. Winthrop University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Rock Hill. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,678, while out-of-state students pay about $28,676. Typical student debt for computer information systems graduates is $27,040. Computer Information Systems graduates of Winthrop University earn a median of $64,302 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,040 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Coastal Carolina University earned it the #4 place for computer information systems. Located in the city of Conway, Coastal Carolina University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,640, with out-of-state students paying around $29,628. Typical student debt for computer information systems graduates is $28,500. Computer Information Systems graduates of Coastal Carolina University earn a median of $38,602 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $28,500 median debt. Coastal Carolina University admits about 75% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes Lander University one of the best values for computer information systems. Set in the town of Greenwood, Lander University is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,700, with out-of-state students paying around $21,300. Students borrow a median of $26,064 to complete the computer information systems program here. Computer Information Systems graduates of Lander University earn a median of $59,232 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%.
Strayer University South Carolina landed the #6 spot for computer information systems value this year. Set in the city of Greenville, Strayer University South Carolina is a mid-sized private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,920 in tuition and fees. Computer Information Systems graduates carry a median of $50,737 in student loans. Computer Information Systems graduates of Strayer University South Carolina earn a median of $67,315 early in their careers. Set against $50,737 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
College Of Charleston landed the #7 spot for computer information systems value this year. Set in the city of Charleston, College Of Charleston is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,978, compared with $38,296 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the computer information systems program here. Early-career computer information systems graduates make about $67,438. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%.
Columbia College South Carolina earned the #8 position for value in computer information systems this year. Set in the city of Columbia, Columbia College South Carolina is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,054. Computer Information Systems graduates carry a median of $28,158 in student loans. Computer Information Systems graduates of Columbia College South Carolina earn a median of $48,339 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%.
South Carolina State University earned the #9 position for value in computer information systems this year. Located in the town of Orangeburg, South Carolina State University is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $11,060 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,750 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for computer information systems graduates is $31,000. Early-career computer information systems graduates make about $30,082. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 83%.
Clemson University placed #10 among the best values for computer information systems. Located in the suburb of Clemson, Clemson University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Computer Information Systems graduates carry a median of $22,498 in student loans. Computer Information Systems graduates of Clemson University earn a median of $73,374 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,498 median debt. Clemson University admits about 38% of applicants.
University Of South Carolina Columbia ranked #11 on our 2027 list of the best value computer information systems schools. University Of South Carolina Columbia is a very large public school located in the city of Columbia. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,688, compared with $36,298 for out-of-state students. Computer Information Systems graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. Early-career computer information systems graduates make about $68,597. That is a strong return on a $25,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%.
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 11 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 11 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.
