[Computer Information Systems](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-information-systems-cis/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 17 schools to build this 2026 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.
Southeastern Community College West Burlington earned the #1 spot for value among computer information systems schools in Iowa. Located in the town of West Burlington, Southeastern Community College West Burlington is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,420, with out-of-state students paying around $6,570. Students borrow a median of $16,126 to complete the computer information systems program here. Computer Information Systems graduates of Southeastern Community College West Burlington earn a median of $45,760 early in their careers. Set against $16,126 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Iowa State University earned it the #2 place for computer information systems. Located in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Typical student debt for computer information systems graduates is $24,438. Computer Information Systems graduates of Iowa State University earn a median of $60,397 early in their careers. Set against $24,438 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes University Of Iowa one of the best values for computer information systems. University Of Iowa is a very large public school located in the city of Iowa City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Students borrow a median of $26,025 to complete the computer information systems program here. Soon after graduation, computer information systems degree recipients from University Of Iowa generally make around $60,199. That is a strong return on a $26,025 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #4 makes Wartburg College one of the best values for computer information systems. Set in the town of Waverly, Wartburg College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $26,250. Typical student debt for computer information systems graduates is $26,793. Computer Information Systems graduates of Wartburg College earn a median of $46,918 early in their careers. Set against $26,793 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%.
Upper Iowa University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value computer information systems schools. Set in the rural area of Fayette, Upper Iowa University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,475. Computer Information Systems graduates carry a median of $34,059 in student loans. Computer Information Systems graduates of Upper Iowa University earn a median of $51,441 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%.
Drake University placed #6 among the best values for computer information systems. Set in the city of Des Moines, Drake University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,960. Computer Information Systems graduates carry a median of $21,281 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computer information systems degree recipients from Drake University generally make around $69,835. That is a strong return on a $21,281 median debt. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced 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 · 17 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 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.
