[Computer Information Systems](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-information-systems-cis/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong computer information systems education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 20 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value computer information systems schools.
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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 Minneapolis Community And Technical College this year. Located in the city of Minneapolis, Minneapolis Community And Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,161. Students borrow a median of $24,036 to complete the computer information systems program here. Computer Information Systems graduates of Minneapolis Community And Technical College earn a median of $43,164 early in their careers. Set against $24,036 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in computer information systems will find it at Winona State University, which ranked #2. Winona State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Winona. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Computer Information Systems graduates carry a median of $24,551 in student loans. Early-career computer information systems graduates make about $53,109. That is a strong return on a $24,551 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
Minnesota State University Mankato is a great value for students pursuing a degree in computer information systems, landing the #3 spot this year. Minnesota State University Mankato is a large public school located in the city of Mankato. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Students borrow a median of $20,625 to complete the computer information systems program here. Early-career computer information systems graduates make about $71,742. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants.
Capella University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in computer information systems, landing the #4 spot this year. Capella University is a very large private for-profit school located in the city of Minneapolis. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400. Students borrow a median of $37,539 to complete the computer information systems program here. Computer Information Systems graduates of Capella University earn a median of $97,688 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #5 makes Summit Academy Opportunities Industrialization Center one of the best values for computer information systems. Set in the city of Minneapolis, Summit Academy Opportunities Industrialization Center is a small private not-for-profit institution. Typical student debt for computer information systems graduates is $9,416. Early-career computer information systems graduates make about $39,833. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Metropolitan State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value computer information systems schools. Metropolitan State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Saint Paul. In-state tuition and fees average $9,840. Students borrow a median of $26,113 to complete the computer information systems program here. Computer Information Systems graduates of Metropolitan State University earn a median of $59,158 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota came in at #7 for value in computer information systems this year. Set in the town of Winona, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,080. Computer Information Systems graduates carry a median of $27,081 in student loans. Early-career computer information systems graduates make about $69,785. Set against $27,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%.
The College Of Saint Scholastica placed #8 among the best values for computer information systems. Set in the city of Duluth, The College Of Saint Scholastica is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,778. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the computer information systems program here. Early-career computer information systems graduates make about $60,845. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.
Macalester College landed the #9 spot for computer information systems value this year. Macalester College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Saint Paul. Students from in state pay about $68,104 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $20,829 to complete the computer information systems program here. Early-career computer information systems graduates make about $81,964. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 28% of applicants are accepted.
University Of St Thomas Minnesota placed #10 among the best values for computer information systems. Set in the city of Saint Paul, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $54,398. Students borrow a median of $23,923 to complete the computer information systems program here. Computer Information Systems graduates of University Of St Thomas Minnesota earn a median of $99,071 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,923 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
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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 · 20 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.
