[Information Science](/majors/computer-information-sciences/information-science-is/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong information science education at a price that pays off.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 5 schools to find the best return on investment for information science students.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in information science, balancing cost against outcomes.
New Jersey Institute Of Technology earned the #1 spot for value among information science schools in New Jersey. New Jersey Institute Of Technology is a large public school located in the city of Newark. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,974, while out-of-state students pay about $37,664. Information Science graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Early-career information science graduates make about $76,815. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. New Jersey Institute Of Technology admits about 65% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in information science will find it at Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus, which ranked #2. Set in the suburb of Teaneck, Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,010. Typical student debt for information science graduates is $24,770. Early-career information science graduates make about $54,505. Set against $24,770 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus admits about 91% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Ramapo College Of New Jersey earned it the #3 place for information science. Set in the suburb of Mahwah, Ramapo College Of New Jersey is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,777 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,708. Information Science graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Early-career information science graduates make about $49,568. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ramapo College Of New Jersey admits about 71% of applicants.
Rowan University came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value information science schools. Set in the suburb of Glassboro, Rowan University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,574, while out-of-state students pay about $26,932. Students borrow a median of $24,488 to complete the information science program here. Soon after graduation, information science degree recipients from Rowan University generally make around $52,031. Set against $24,488 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
Rutgers University New Brunswick came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value information science schools. Set in the city of New Brunswick, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,929 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Information Science graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Information Science graduates of Rutgers University New Brunswick earn a median of $54,001 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.
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Notes and References
This list is compiled 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 · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 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.
