[Information Science](/majors/computer-information-sciences/information-science-is/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong information science education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 19 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.
For return on investment in information science, no school beat Bunker Hill Community College this year. 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 information science graduates is $11,893. Soon after graduation, information science degree recipients from Bunker Hill Community College generally make around $51,782. That is a strong return on a $11,893 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes Central Connecticut State University one of the best values for information science. Central Connecticut State University is a large public school located in the suburb of New Britain. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,050, while out-of-state students pay about $16,550. Typical student debt for information science graduates is $24,340. Early-career information science graduates make about $60,151. Set against $24,340 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Harvard University one of the best values for information science. Set in the city of Cambridge, Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,676. Information Science graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Early-career information science graduates make about $95,207. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Harvard University admits about 4% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in information science will find it at University Of Massachusetts Boston, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Boston, University Of Massachusetts Boston is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,898, while out-of-state students pay about $38,115. Information Science graduates carry a median of $26,236 in student loans. 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. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in information science will find it at University Of Massachusetts Lowell, which ranked #5. Located in the suburb of Lowell, University Of Massachusetts Lowell is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $16,966 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $36,264. Typical student debt for information science graduates is $20,767. Soon after graduation, information science degree recipients from University Of Massachusetts Lowell generally make around $60,534. Set against $20,767 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 83%.
Norwich University placed #6 among the best values for information science. Located in the rural area of Northfield, Norwich University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $49,740. Typical student debt for information science graduates is $24,625. Information Science graduates of Norwich University earn a median of $108,619 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%.
Boston University placed #7 among the best values for information science. Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Boston. In-state tuition and fees average $68,102. Students borrow a median of $25,232 to complete the information science program here. Information Science graduates of Boston University earn a median of $104,702 early in their careers. Set against $25,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%.
Suffolk University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value information science schools. Set in the city of Boston, Suffolk University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $47,550 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the information science program here. Soon after graduation, information science degree recipients from Suffolk University generally make around $56,780. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Suffolk University admits about 82% of applicants.
Wentworth Institute Of Technology ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value information science schools. Located in the city of Boston, Wentworth Institute Of Technology is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,884. Typical student debt for information science graduates is $26,417. Information Science graduates of Wentworth Institute Of Technology earn a median of $72,095 early in their careers. Set against $26,417 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Merrimack College placed #10 among the best values for information science. Located in the suburb of North Andover, Merrimack College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,962. Information Science graduates carry a median of $26,913 in student loans. Soon after graduation, information science degree recipients from Merrimack College generally make around $50,506. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%.
Boston College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value information science schools. Boston College is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chestnut Hill. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,702. Information Science graduates carry a median of $17,500 in student loans. Information Science graduates of Boston College earn a median of $80,731 early in their careers. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 16%.
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Notes and References
This list is compiled 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 · 19 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 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.
