[Information Science](/majors/computer-information-sciences/information-science-is/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. 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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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the information science degrees they offer, see the list below.
George Mason University tops our 2027 list of the best value information science schools in Virginia. Located in the suburb of Fairfax, George Mason University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,220 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,688. Information Science graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. Soon after graduation, information science degree recipients from George Mason University generally make around $63,131. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.
James Madison University came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value information science schools. Located in the city of Harrisonburg, James Madison University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,966, while out-of-state students pay about $31,312. Typical student debt for information science graduates is $21,025. Information Science graduates of James Madison University earn a median of $80,173 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. James Madison University admits about 72% of applicants.
Christopher Newport University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in information science, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Newport News, Christopher Newport University is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,828, with out-of-state students paying around $31,178. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the information science program here. Information Science graduates of Christopher Newport University earn a median of $58,550 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in information science will find it at Strayer University Virginia, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Arlington, Strayer University Virginia is a mid-sized private for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $13,920 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for information science graduates is $53,250. Information Science graduates of Strayer University Virginia earn a median of $71,520 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $53,250 median debt.
A rank of #5 makes Virginia Commonwealth University one of the best values for information science. Set in the city of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,720, while out-of-state students pay about $39,884. Information Science graduates carry a median of $24,364 in student loans. Early-career information science graduates make about $62,116. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Virginia Commonwealth University admits about 93% of applicants.
More Information Science Rankings
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published 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.
