[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.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 10 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for computer information systems students.
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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.
South Dakota State University tops our 2026 list of the best value computer information systems schools in South Dakota. Located in the town of Brookings, South Dakota State University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Students borrow a median of $22,748 to complete the computer information systems program here. Computer Information Systems graduates of South Dakota State University earn a median of $73,770 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants.
A rank of #2 makes University Of South Dakota one of the best values for computer information systems. University Of South Dakota is a large public school located in the town of Vermillion. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. Typical student debt for computer information systems graduates is $26,322. Computer Information Systems graduates of University Of South Dakota earn a median of $51,566 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,322 median debt. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes Dakota State University one of the best values for computer information systems. Located in the town of Madison, Dakota State University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,654, while out-of-state students pay about $12,756. Computer Information Systems graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Computer Information Systems graduates of Dakota State University earn a median of $72,367 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a great value for students pursuing a degree in computer information systems, landing the #4 spot this year. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Rapid City. Students from in state pay about $10,500 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,900 for out-of-state students. Computer Information Systems graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career computer information systems graduates make about $78,193. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology admits about 80% 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 · 10 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.
