by our College Data Analytics Team
[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.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 13 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.
Century College tops our 2027 list of the best value information science schools in the The Plains States Region. Century College is a large public school located in the suburb of White Bear Lake. In-state tuition and fees average $6,214. Students borrow a median of $21,332 to complete the information science program here. Early-career information science graduates make about $47,502. That is a strong return on a $21,332 median debt.
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a great value for students pursuing a degree in information science, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the town of Winona, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,080. Students borrow a median of $21,999 to complete the information science program here. Soon after graduation, information science degree recipients from Saint Marys University Of Minnesota generally make around $25,534. Set against $21,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%.
A rank of #3 makes University Of Nebraska At Omaha one of the best values for information science. Located in the city of Omaha, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,718, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. Students borrow a median of $21,147 to complete the information science program here. Early-career information science graduates make about $79,779. That is a strong return on a $21,147 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%.
Students looking for strong value in information science will find it at Fort Hays State University, which ranked #4. Located in the town of Hays, Fort Hays State University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,923, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. Students borrow a median of $26,427 to complete the information science program here. Soon after graduation, information science degree recipients from Fort Hays State University generally make around $56,399. Set against $26,427 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #5 makes Missouri University Of Science And Technology one of the best values for information science. Located in the town of Rolla, Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $14,984 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,248. Students borrow a median of $25,750 to complete the information science program here. Soon after graduation, information science degree recipients from Missouri University Of Science And Technology generally make around $65,393. Set against $25,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
Wayne State College came in at #6 for value in information science this year. Wayne State College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Wayne. Students from in state pay about $8,171 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for information science graduates is $22,974. Information Science graduates of Wayne State College earn a median of $49,981 early in their careers. Set against $22,974 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Emporia State University landed the #7 spot for information science value this year. Set in the town of Emporia, Emporia State University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,106, compared with $15,419 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,237 to complete the information science program here. Information Science graduates of Emporia State University earn a median of $48,438 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%.
Metropolitan State University placed #8 among the best values for information science. Metropolitan State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Saint Paul. Students from in state pay about $9,840 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the information science program here. Information Science graduates of Metropolitan State University earn a median of $64,382 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Metropolitan State University admits about 99% of applicants.
Bellevue University placed #9 among the best values for information science. Bellevue University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Bellevue. In-state tuition and fees average $12,873. Information Science graduates carry a median of $27,852 in student loans. Information Science graduates of Bellevue University earn a median of $93,832 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Rasmussen College Minnesota landed the #10 spot for information science value this year. Located in the city of St. Cloud, Rasmussen College Minnesota is a large private for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,199. Students borrow a median of $22,632 to complete the information science program here. Early-career information science graduates make about $64,329. That is a strong return on a $22,632 median debt.
Dakota State University landed the #11 spot for information science value this year. Set in the town of Madison, Dakota State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,654, while out-of-state students pay about $12,756. Students borrow a median of $29,318 to complete the information science program here. Soon after graduation, information science degree recipients from Dakota State University generally make around $63,636. Set against $29,318 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Columbia College Missouri came in at #12 for value in information science this year. Located in the city of Columbia, Columbia College Missouri is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,276. Students borrow a median of $29,213 to complete the information science program here. Early-career information science graduates make about $47,962. Set against $29,213 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Luther College placed #13 among the best values for information science. Set in the town of Decorah, Luther College is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,120. Students borrow a median of $26,967 to complete the information science program here. Soon after graduation, information science degree recipients from Luther College generally make around $42,426. That is a strong return on a $26,967 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
This ranking is produced 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 · 13 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 13 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
