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2026 Best Value Systems Science & Theory Schools in Pennsylvania

[Systems Science & Theory](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/systems-science-theory/systems-science-and-theory/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 3 schools to find the best return on investment for systems science & theory students.

What’s on this page:

• Best Value Systems Science & Theory Schools in Pennsylvania

2026 Best Value Systems Science & Theory Schools in Pennsylvania

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the systems science & theory degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value Systems Science & Theory Schools

1

Pennsylvania Western University
California, PA

$11,436 In-State Tuition & Fees

$47,295 Median Earnings (10yr)

For return on investment in systems science & theory, no school beat Pennsylvania Western University this year. Located in the town of California, Pennsylvania Western University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,436, compared with $16,054 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,295 ten years after entry. Pennsylvania Western University admits about 94% of applicants.

2

Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA

$65,636 In-State Tuition & Fees

$23,250 Avg Student Debt

$114,862 Median Earnings (10yr)

Carnegie Mellon University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value systems science & theory schools. Set in the city of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for systems science & theory graduates is $23,250. Soon after graduation, systems science & theory degree recipients from Carnegie Mellon University generally make around $95,598. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 12%.

View All Systems Science & Theory Rankings >

Notes and References

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 · 3 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 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.