[General Information Science](/majors/computer-information-sciences/information-science-is/general-information-science/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 18 schools to find the best return on investment for general information science students.
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Featured General Information Science Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
AS in Information Technologies
Gain the specialized knowledge and critical-thinking skills required to begin a career in tech with this online associate degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general information science degrees they offer, see the list below.
For return on investment in general information science, no school beat University Of California Riverside this year. University Of California Riverside is a very large public school located in the city of Riverside. In-state tuition and fees average $14,636, with out-of-state students paying around $46,524. Typical student debt for general information science graduates is $24,417. General Information Science graduates of University Of California Riverside earn a median of $76,090 early in their careers. Set against $24,417 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Riverside admits about 76% of applicants.
A rank of #2 makes San Jose State University one of the best values for general information science. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
University Of California Berkeley is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general information science, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,238 to complete the general information science program here. General Information Science graduates of University Of California Berkeley earn a median of $175,482 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #4 makes California Lutheran University one of the best values for general information science. California Lutheran University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Thousand Oaks. In-state tuition and fees average $52,560. Students borrow a median of $22,727 to complete the general information science program here. General Information Science graduates of California Lutheran University earn a median of $53,271 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,727 median debt. California Lutheran University admits about 76% of applicants.
University Of Southern California is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general information science, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. General Information Science graduates carry a median of $15,625 in student loans. General Information Science graduates of University Of Southern California earn a median of $75,677 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,625 median debt. University Of Southern California admits about 10% of applicants.
More General Information Science Rankings
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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 · 18 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 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.
