2026 Best Value Information Science Is Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Information Science Is master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 467 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Information Science Is Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Stevenson University to be the best-value Information Science Is school in the United States. Stevenson University is a private not-for-profit school based in Owings Mills, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $40,560. Stevenson University Information Science Is students take on a median of $27,042 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,079 ten years after entry. Set against $27,042 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Stevenson University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Harding University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,962. Graduates carry a median of $26,715 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,876. Set against $26,715 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Harding University admits about 70% of applicants. Get the full Harding University report
A rank of #3 makes University Of Maryland University College one of the best values in the United States. Located in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,136, compared with $12,336 for out-of-state students. The median Information Science Is program debt is $20,806. Median earnings reach $65,287 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,806 median debt. Read more about University Of Maryland University College
You'll get strong value at Bellevue University, which ranked #3 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bellevue, NE. Students from in state pay about $12,873 in tuition and fees. Typical Information Science Is student debt is $27,852. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,289. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Bellevue University report
You'll get strong value at Dakota State University, which ranked #5 this year. Dakota State University is a public school based in Madison, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,654, with out-of-state students paying around $12,756. The median Information Science Is program debt is $29,318. Median earnings reach $50,970 ten years out. Set against $29,318 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Dakota State University profile
The University Of Texas At Austin offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At Austin Information Science Is students take on a median of $21,275 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. Set against $21,275 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of Delaware came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. The median Information Science Is program debt is $24,861. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read the full report on University Of Delaware
University Of California Berkeley came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Graduates carry a median of $14,238 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,446. Set against $14,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report
University Of Nebraska At Omaha landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,718, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. Typical Information Science Is student debt is $21,147. University Of Nebraska At Omaha alumni report median earnings of $53,909 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska At Omaha has an acceptance rate of 87%. Get the full University Of Nebraska At Omaha report
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Information Science Is schools. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Students borrow a median of $20,778 to complete their Information Science Is program here. Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Akron, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Typical Information Science Is student debt is $17,589. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,589 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. Get the full University Of Akron Main Campus report
Norwich University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Based in Northfield, VT, Norwich University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $49,740. Norwich University Information Science Is students take on a median of $24,625 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,575. Set against $24,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. See the full Norwich University profile
Depaul University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,405. Typical Information Science Is student debt is $25,916. Median earnings reach $68,751 ten years out. Set against $25,916 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Depaul University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Get the full Depaul University report
Loyola University Baltimore came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Loyola University Baltimore is a private not-for-profit school based in Baltimore, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $57,150. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,652. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Loyola University Baltimore
Southern Methodist University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Information Science Is schools. Set in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,040. Southern Methodist University Information Science Is students take on a median of $20,712 in debt. Southern Methodist University alumni report median earnings of $78,354 a decade after entry. Set against $20,712 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Southern Methodist University report
Marquette University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $51,170. Graduates carry a median of $24,122 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,257. Set against $24,122 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Marquette University
University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. The median Information Science Is program debt is $16,481. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
University Of Maryland Baltimore County offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Baltimore, MD, University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,256, while out-of-state students pay about $31,225. Students borrow a median of $21,576 to complete their Information Science Is program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,960. Set against $21,576 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Maryland Baltimore County
The University Of Texas At El Paso placed #20 among the best-value Information Science Is schools in the United States. Set in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,544, compared with $25,502 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,819 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,923. That is a strong return on a $19,819 median debt. The acceptance rate is 100%. More on The University Of Texas At El Paso
Prairie View A And M University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Prairie View, TX, Prairie View A And M University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,299, compared with $26,874 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $29,824 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,411 ten years out. Set against $29,824 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Prairie View A And M University report
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. The median Information Science Is program debt is $20,031. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
Cleveland State University placed #23 among the best-value Information Science Is schools in the United States. Set in Cleveland, OH, Cleveland State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,982, compared with $18,502 for out-of-state students. The median Information Science Is program debt is $25,731. Median earnings reach $52,131 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,731 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read more about Cleveland State University
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private not-for-profit school based in Teaneck, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,010. Graduates carry a median of $24,770 in student loans. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,273 a decade after entry. Set against $24,770 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus
University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #25 among the best-value Information Science Is schools in the United States. Set in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,829 to complete their Information Science Is program here. Median earnings reach $57,743 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Florida Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 43%. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus
University Of Houston offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. University Of Houston Information Science Is students take on a median of $21,255 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,377. Set against $21,255 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. See the full University Of Houston profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Information Science Is Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Bradley University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in Peoria, IL, Bradley University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $42,160. The median Information Science Is program debt is $24,950. Bradley University alumni report median earnings of $66,852 a decade after entry. Set against $24,950 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Bradley University report
Strayer University Virginia landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Arlington, VA, Strayer University Virginia is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,920. Strayer University Virginia Information Science Is students take on a median of $53,250 in debt. Strayer University Virginia alumni report median earnings of $40,092 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Strayer University Virginia report
Northern Kentucky University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Highland Heights, KY, Northern Kentucky University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,088, compared with $21,912 for out-of-state students. Northern Kentucky University Information Science Is students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,220. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Northern Kentucky University profile
University Of Colorado Denver placed #30 among the best-value Information Science Is schools in the United States. Located in Denver, CO, University Of Colorado Denver is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,383, while out-of-state students pay about $29,391. Typical Information Science Is student debt is $26,582. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,270. Set against $26,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Colorado Denver has an acceptance rate of 75%. Get the full University Of Colorado Denver report
University Of Michigan Dearborn ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Information Science Is schools. University Of Michigan Dearborn is a public school based in Dearborn, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,640, with out-of-state students paying around $32,896. Students borrow a median of $26,516 to complete their Information Science Is program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,649. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Michigan Dearborn admits about 56% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Michigan Dearborn
University Of Alabama At Birmingham placed #31 among the best-value Information Science Is schools in the United States. Set in Birmingham, AL, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,098, while out-of-state students pay about $22,562. Typical Information Science Is student debt is $26,162. Median earnings reach $54,501 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Alabama At Birmingham report
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Typical Information Science Is student debt is $13,294. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,200. Set against $13,294 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 15% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill report
George Washington University placed #31 among the best-value Information Science Is schools in the United States. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,710 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,910 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,873. That is a strong return on a $22,910 median debt. The acceptance rate is 47%. Get the full George Washington University report
The University Of Texas At Dallas came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Located in Richardson, TX, The University Of Texas At Dallas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,644, compared with $40,144 for out-of-state students. Typical Information Science Is student debt is $20,531. Median earnings reach $68,227 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The University Of Texas At Dallas report
Virginia Commonwealth University placed #35 among the best-value Information Science Is schools in the United States. Located in Richmond, VA, Virginia Commonwealth University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,720, compared with $39,884 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,364 to complete their Information Science Is program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,128 ten years after entry. Set against $24,364 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. More on Virginia Commonwealth University
University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,041 to complete their Information Science Is program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,170 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,041 median debt. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants. See the full University Of Utah profile
University Of Houston Clear Lake ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Information Science Is schools. This public school is set in Houston, TX. Students from in state pay about $8,346 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,290. Typical Information Science Is student debt is $21,100. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,004. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Houston Clear Lake
Strayer University Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Tampa, FL, Strayer University Florida is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,920 in tuition and fees. The median Information Science Is program debt is $53,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,092. That is a strong return on a $53,250 median debt. Get the full Strayer University Florida report
New Jersey Institute Of Technology came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Newark, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,974, with out-of-state students paying around $37,664. Typical Information Science Is student debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,276 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. New Jersey Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 65%. See the full New Jersey Institute Of Technology profile
Tarleton State University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Stephenville, TX, Tarleton State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,302, with out-of-state students paying around $18,142. Students borrow a median of $23,222 to complete their Information Science Is program here. Tarleton State University alumni report median earnings of $53,040 a decade after entry. Set against $23,222 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full Tarleton State University report
University Of Maryland College Park ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Information Science Is schools. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. The median Information Science Is program debt is $20,180. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,860. That is a strong return on a $20,180 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Maryland College Park
Missouri University Of Science And Technology placed #44 among the best-value Information Science Is schools in the United States. Located in Rolla, MO, Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,984, compared with $33,248 for out-of-state students. The median Information Science Is program debt is $25,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,957 ten years after entry. Set against $25,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full Missouri University Of Science And Technology profile
Texas A And M University Central Texas ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Information Science Is schools. This public school is set in Killeen, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,363, while out-of-state students pay about $17,155. The median Information Science Is program debt is $23,160. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University Central Texas
Strayer University Georgia came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chamblee, GA, Strayer University Georgia is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,920 in tuition and fees. The median Information Science Is program debt is $53,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,092. That is a strong return on a $53,250 median debt. More on Strayer University Georgia
Strayer University Texas landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Farmers Branch, TX, Strayer University Texas is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,920 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $53,250 to complete their Information Science Is program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,092. Set against $53,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Strayer University Texas
Strayer University Maryland offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. This private for-profit school is set in Suitland, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $13,920. Graduates carry a median of $53,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,092 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $53,250 median debt. See the full Strayer University Maryland profile
Strayer University Arkansas came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Located in Little Rock, AR, Strayer University Arkansas is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,920. Graduates carry a median of $53,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $40,092 ten years out. Set against $53,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Strayer University Arkansas
Harvard University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. Students from in state pay about $61,676 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their Information Science Is program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $101,817 ten years after entry. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%. Get the full Harvard University report
Colorado State University Fort Collins offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Located in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,373 in tuition and fees, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Information Science Is program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,543 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Colorado State University Fort Collins
Strayer University North Carolina landed the #52 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Greensboro, NC, Strayer University North Carolina is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,920 in tuition and fees. The median Information Science Is program debt is $53,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,092. That is a strong return on a $53,250 median debt. More on Strayer University North Carolina
Related Information Science Is Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Information Science Is Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Information Science Is Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Information Science Is Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Information Science Is Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Information Science Is Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Information Science Is Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Information Science Is Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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 · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 467 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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