[Computer Information Systems](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-information-systems-cis/) 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 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 6 schools to find the best return on investment 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.
For return on investment in computer information systems, no school beat Southeastern Community College West Burlington this year. Set in the town of West Burlington, Southeastern Community College West Burlington is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,420, compared with $6,570 for out-of-state students. Computer Information Systems graduates carry a median of $16,126 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computer information systems degree recipients from Southeastern Community College West Burlington generally make around $45,760. 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Computer Information Systems graduates carry a median of $24,438 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computer information systems degree recipients from Iowa State University generally make around $60,397. That is a strong return on a $24,438 median debt. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants.
Upper Iowa University came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value computer information systems schools. Upper Iowa University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Fayette. Students from in state pay about $19,475 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $34,059 to complete the computer information systems program here. Soon after graduation, computer information systems degree recipients from Upper Iowa University generally make around $51,441. Set against $34,059 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.
University Of Iowa came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value computer information systems schools. Set in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Computer Information Systems graduates carry a median of $26,025 in student loans. Computer Information Systems graduates of University Of Iowa earn a median of $60,199 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Drake University earned it the #5 place for computer information systems. Located in the city of Des Moines, Drake University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $51,960 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for computer information systems graduates is $21,281. Early-career computer information systems graduates make about $69,835. Set against $21,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Drake University admits about 64% of applicants.
Wartburg College ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value computer information systems schools. Set in the town of Waverly, Wartburg College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $26,250 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for computer information systems graduates is $26,793. Early-career computer information systems graduates make about $46,918. Set against $26,793 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wartburg College admits about 76% of applicants.
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 6 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 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.
