by our College Data Analytics Team
[Information Science](/majors/computer-information-sciences/information-science-is/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 12 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for information science students.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in information science, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is Century College, our #1 best value for information science in Minnesota. Century College is a large public school located in the suburb of White Bear Lake. In-state tuition and fees average $6,214. Information Science graduates carry a median of $21,332 in student loans. Early-career information science graduates make about $47,502. That is a strong return on a $21,332 median debt.
Minnesota State University Moorhead came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value information science schools. Located in the suburb of Moorhead, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,428. Students borrow a median of $13,773 to complete the information science program here. Information Science graduates of Minnesota State University Moorhead earn a median of $49,625 early in their careers. Set against $13,773 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted.
Metropolitan State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value information science schools. Metropolitan State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Saint Paul. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,840. Typical student debt for information science graduates is $25,000. Early-career information science graduates make about $64,382. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%.
A rank of #4 makes Saint Marys University Of Minnesota one of the best values for information science. Set in the town of Winona, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,080. Students borrow a median of $21,999 to complete the information science program here. Early-career information science graduates make about $25,534. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.
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 · 12 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.