[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.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 13 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for general information science students.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general information science, balancing cost against outcomes.
Bunker Hill Community College earned the #1 spot for value among general information science schools in Massachusetts. Bunker Hill Community College is a large public school located in the city of Boston. Students from in state pay about $6,168 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,112. Typical student debt for general information science graduates is $11,893. Early-career general information science graduates make about $51,782. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Harvard University earned it the #2 place for general information science. Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Cambridge. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,676. Typical student debt for general information science graduates is $16,616. General Information Science graduates of Harvard University earn a median of $95,207 early in their careers. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%.
A rank of #3 makes University Of Massachusetts Boston one of the best values for general information science. Located in the city of Boston, University Of Massachusetts Boston is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,898, while out-of-state students pay about $38,115. Students borrow a median of $26,236 to complete the general information science program here. General Information Science graduates of University Of Massachusetts Boston earn a median of $52,885 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,236 median debt. University Of Massachusetts Boston admits about 84% of applicants.
University Of Massachusetts Lowell came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value general information science schools. University Of Massachusetts Lowell is a very large public school located in the suburb of Lowell. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,966, compared with $36,264 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,767 to complete the general information science program here. Soon after graduation, general information science degree recipients from University Of Massachusetts Lowell generally make around $60,534. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%.
Boston University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value general information science schools. Set in the city of Boston, Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,102 in tuition and fees. General Information Science graduates carry a median of $25,232 in student loans. General Information Science graduates of Boston University earn a median of $104,702 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Boston University admits about 11% of applicants.
Suffolk University earned the #6 position for value in general information science this year. Suffolk University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Boston. In-state tuition and fees average $47,550. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the general information science program here. Soon after graduation, general information science degree recipients from Suffolk University generally make around $56,780. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
Wentworth Institute Of Technology earned the #7 position for value in general information science this year. Located in the city of Boston, Wentworth Institute Of Technology is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,884. Students borrow a median of $26,417 to complete the general information science program here. General Information Science graduates of Wentworth Institute Of Technology earn a median of $72,095 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,417 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
Merrimack College came in at #8 for value in general information science this year. Set in the suburb of North Andover, Merrimack College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,962. Typical student debt for general information science graduates is $26,913. Soon after graduation, general information science degree recipients from Merrimack College generally make around $50,506. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.
Boston College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value general information science schools. Located in the city of Chestnut Hill, Boston College is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $70,702 in tuition and fees. General Information Science graduates carry a median of $17,500 in student loans. General Information Science graduates of Boston College earn a median of $80,731 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,500 median debt. Boston College admits about 16% of applicants.
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 13 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 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.
