[Information Science](/majors/computer-information-sciences/information-science-is/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 11 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value information science schools.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in information science, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked University Of South Carolina Upstate the best value for a degree in information science in South Carolina. University Of South Carolina Upstate is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Spartanburg. Students from in state pay about $11,588 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $23,090. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete the information science program here. Soon after graduation, information science degree recipients from University Of South Carolina Upstate generally make around $48,664. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. University Of South Carolina Upstate admits about 67% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at College Of Charleston earned it the #2 place for information science. College Of Charleston is a large public school located in the city of Charleston. In-state tuition and fees average $12,978, with out-of-state students paying around $38,296. Information Science graduates carry a median of $22,591 in student loans. Information Science graduates of College Of Charleston earn a median of $63,069 early in their careers. Set against $22,591 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%.
A rank of #3 makes Clemson University one of the best values for information science. Located in the suburb of Clemson, Clemson University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Typical student debt for information science graduates is $25,964. Soon after graduation, information science degree recipients from Clemson University generally make around $76,549. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of South Carolina Columbia earned it the #4 place for information science. University Of South Carolina Columbia is a very large public school located in the city of Columbia. In-state tuition and fees average $12,688, compared with $36,298 for out-of-state students. Information Science graduates carry a median of $24,472 in student loans. Early-career information science graduates make about $54,087. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 60%.
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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 · 11 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.
