[Information Science](/majors/computer-information-sciences/information-science-is/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 9 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for information science students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in information science, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is Fort Hays State University, our #1 best value for information science in Kansas. Set in the town of Hays, Fort Hays State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,923 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,741. Information Science graduates carry a median of $26,427 in student loans. Early-career information science graduates make about $56,399. That is a strong return on a $26,427 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #2 makes Emporia State University one of the best values for information science. Emporia State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Emporia. Students from in state pay about $7,106 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,419 for out-of-state students. Information Science graduates carry a median of $19,237 in student loans. 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. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
More Information Science Rankings
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Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 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.
