[Computer Information Systems](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-information-systems-cis/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong computer information systems education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 30 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for computer information systems students.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in computer information systems, balancing cost against outcomes.
Rio Salado College earned the #1 spot for value among computer information systems schools 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. Typical student debt for computer information systems graduates is $13,679. Soon after graduation, computer information systems degree recipients from Rio Salado College generally make around $48,564. That is a strong return on a $13,679 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes Arizona Western College one of the best values for computer information systems. Arizona Western College is a large public school located in the city of Yuma. Students from in state pay about $3,060 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,870. Early-career computer information systems graduates make about $44,895.
Phoenix College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value computer information systems schools. Phoenix College is a large public school located in the city of Phoenix. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Computer Information Systems graduates carry a median of $15,204 in student loans. Early-career computer information systems graduates make about $51,053. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Estrella Mountain Community College earned it the #4 place for computer information systems. Estrella Mountain Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Avondale. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for computer information systems graduates is $21,752. Soon after graduation, computer information systems degree recipients from Estrella Mountain Community College generally make around $78,359. Set against $21,752 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Chandler Gilbert Community College earned it the #5 place for computer information systems. Set in the city of Chandler, Chandler Gilbert Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Students borrow a median of $10,447 to complete the computer information systems program here. Soon after graduation, computer information systems degree recipients from Chandler Gilbert Community College generally make around $46,943. Set against $10,447 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Gateway Community College Phoenix came in at #6 for value in computer information systems this year. Gateway Community College Phoenix is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Phoenix. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Students borrow a median of $15,736 to complete the computer information systems program here. Soon after graduation, computer information systems degree recipients from Gateway Community College Phoenix generally make around $50,350. That is a strong return on a $15,736 median debt.
Mesa Community College came in at #7 for value in computer information systems this year. 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, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for computer information systems graduates is $13,750. Early-career computer information systems graduates make about $54,730. That is a strong return on a $13,750 median debt.
Arizona State University came in at #8 for value in computer information systems this year. Located in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Students borrow a median of $15,312 to complete the computer information systems program here. Computer Information Systems graduates of Arizona State University earn a median of $71,183 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,312 median debt. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants.
University Of Phoenix Arizona ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value computer information systems schools. 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. Computer Information Systems graduates carry a median of $32,771 in student loans. Early-career computer information systems graduates make about $57,809. Set against $32,771 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Northern Arizona University came in at #10 for value in computer information systems this year. Set in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,619, with out-of-state students paying around $20,044. Students borrow a median of $21,645 to complete the computer information systems program here. Computer Information Systems graduates of Northern Arizona University earn a median of $47,056 early in their careers. Set against $21,645 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Arizona University admits about 90% of applicants.
American Intercontinental University Online ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value computer information systems schools. American Intercontinental University Online is a very large private for-profit school located in the city of Chandler. Students from in state pay about $12,397 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $45,606 to complete the computer information systems program here. Soon after graduation, computer information systems degree recipients from American Intercontinental University Online generally make around $58,783. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
University Of Arizona came in at #12 for value in computer information systems this year. University Of Arizona is a very large public school located in the city of Tucson. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Typical student debt for computer information systems graduates is $26,000. Early-career computer information systems graduates make about $73,057. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Bryan University Los Angeles placed #13 among the best values for computer information systems. Located in the city of Tempe, Bryan University Los Angeles is a mid-sized private for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,219. Students borrow a median of $26,400 to complete the computer information systems program here. Early-career computer information systems graduates make about $31,425. Set against $26,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Grand Canyon University landed the #14 spot for computer information systems value 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 computer information systems graduates is $29,750. Soon after graduation, computer information systems degree recipients from Grand Canyon University generally make around $78,393. Set against $29,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grand Canyon University admits about 79% 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 · 30 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.
