2026 Best Value It Information Technology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value It Information Technology graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1314 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated schools to build 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 It Information Technology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is American Public University System, our #1 best-value It Information Technology school in the United States. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. Graduates carry a median of $20,357 in student loans. American Public University System alumni report median earnings of $44,409 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,357 median debt. More on American Public University System
Out of the 1314 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #2 spot. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Graduates carry a median of $25,260 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
A rank of #3 makes Ferris State University one of the best values in the United States. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,778 in tuition and fees. Typical It Information Technology student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $54,735 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Ferris State University
You'll get strong value at University Of Maryland University College, which ranked #4 this year. Located in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,136 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,336. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. University Of Maryland University College alumni report median earnings of $65,287 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full University Of Maryland University College profile
You'll get strong value at University Of Phoenix Arizona, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Phoenix, AZ, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $9,552 in tuition and fees. University Of Phoenix Arizona It Information Technology students take on a median of $29,537 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,752 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,537 median debt. More on University Of Phoenix Arizona
Metropolitan State University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,840. Metropolitan State University It Information Technology students take on a median of $42,396 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,705. That is a strong return on a $42,396 median debt. Metropolitan State University admits about 99% of applicants. Read more about Metropolitan State University
Illinois State University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. The median It Information Technology program debt is $21,896. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Illinois State University profile
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. North Dakota State University Main Campus It Information Technology students take on a median of $25,153 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
Sam Houston State University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Sam Houston State University is a public school based in Huntsville, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. Typical It Information Technology student debt is $24,850. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,211. That is a strong return on a $24,850 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Sam Houston State University
Champlain College placed #10 among the best-value It Information Technology schools in the United States. Champlain College is a private not-for-profit school based in Burlington, VT. Students from in state pay about $47,850 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,250 to complete their It Information Technology program here. Median earnings reach $58,386 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%. See the full Champlain College profile
Capella University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400. Capella University It Information Technology students take on a median of $30,995 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,189 ten years out. Set against $30,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Capella University report
Baker College Of Flint landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Baker College Of Flint is a private not-for-profit school based in Owosso, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,000. Graduates carry a median of $28,927 in student loans. Baker College Of Flint alumni report median earnings of $35,833 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Baker College Of Flint admits about 82% of applicants. See the full Baker College Of Flint profile
Regis University placed #13 among the best-value It Information Technology schools in the United States. Located in Denver, CO, Regis University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $28,140. Regis University It Information Technology students take on a median of $31,773 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,105. Set against $31,773 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Regis University admits about 86% of applicants. See the full Regis University profile
University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value It Information Technology schools. Set in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Typical It Information Technology student debt is $18,627. University Of Virginia Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $86,863 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Virginia Main Campus admits about 17% of applicants. See the full University Of Virginia Main Campus profile
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in West Chester, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,775, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,258. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania admits about 78% of applicants. Get the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania report
University Of Nebraska At Omaha offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Located in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,718, compared with $23,206 for out-of-state students. University Of Nebraska At Omaha It Information Technology students take on a median of $10,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,909 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Towson University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Towson, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $11,728, compared with $29,820 for out-of-state students. Towson University It Information Technology students take on a median of $21,241 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,390. That is a strong return on a $21,241 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read more about Towson University
Grand Valley State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,502, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. Grand Valley State University It Information Technology students take on a median of $26,378 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,118 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,378 median debt. The acceptance rate is 83%. Read more about Grand Valley State University
Walden University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,067. Students borrow a median of $49,361 to complete their It Information Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,810. That is a strong return on a $49,361 median debt. Read the full report on Walden University
Kennesaw State University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Kennesaw State University is a public school based in Kennesaw, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,808, while out-of-state students pay about $17,736. Typical It Information Technology student debt is $27,803. Kennesaw State University alumni report median earnings of $57,552 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. See the full Kennesaw State University profile
Central Michigan University placed #21 among the best-value It Information Technology schools in the United States. Set in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Central Michigan University It Information Technology students take on a median of $27,857 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,874 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Central Michigan University admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Central Michigan University report
University Of Memphis landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. Typical It Information Technology student debt is $26,315. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,458 ten years after entry. Set against $26,315 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Memphis has an acceptance rate of 72%. More on University Of Memphis
Colorado State University Fort Collins ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value It Information Technology schools. This public school is set in Fort Collins, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,373, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. The median It Information Technology program debt is $22,843. Median earnings reach $60,543 ten years out. Set against $22,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Colorado State University Fort Collins admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Colorado State University Fort Collins report
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value It Information Technology schools. Set in Greensboro, NC, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,661, while out-of-state students pay about $24,012. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro It Information Technology students take on a median of $24,977 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,160. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
University Of North Georgia came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in Dahlonega, GA, University Of North Georgia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,444, while out-of-state students pay about $16,956. Typical It Information Technology student debt is $21,439. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,135. Set against $21,439 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Georgia
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value It Information Technology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
East Carolina University placed #26 among the best-value It Information Technology schools in the United States. East Carolina University is a public school based in Greenville, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,361, compared with $23,638 for out-of-state students. Typical It Information Technology student debt is $24,747. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,146 ten years after entry. Set against $24,747 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. Get the full East Carolina University report
Depaul University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $45,405. Typical It Information Technology student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,751 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. See the full Depaul University profile
Harvard University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,676. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their It Information Technology 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%. More on Harvard University
George Washington University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. George Washington University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. Typical It Information Technology student debt is $18,143. Median earnings reach $90,873 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,143 median debt. George Washington University has an acceptance rate of 47%. See the full George Washington University profile
University Of Arkansas placed #31 among the best-value It Information Technology schools in the United States. Set in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. The median It Information Technology program debt is $24,019. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,191. Set against $24,019 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas
Metropolitan State College Of Denver offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Denver, CO, Metropolitan State College Of Denver is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,124, compared with $30,684 for out-of-state students. The median It Information Technology program debt is $27,484. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,093. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full Metropolitan State College Of Denver report
Edp College Of Puerto Rico Inc San Juan ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value It Information Technology schools. Set in San Juan, PR, Edp College Of Puerto Rico Inc San Juan is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,050, compared with $14,125 for out-of-state students. The median It Information Technology program debt is $10,669. Median earnings reach $22,844 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Edp College Of Puerto Rico Inc San Juan has an acceptance rate of 61%. More on Edp College Of Puerto Rico Inc San Juan
Auburn University placed #34 among the best-value It Information Technology schools in the United States. Based in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,890 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. Graduates carry a median of $22,803 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,337 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,803 median debt. The acceptance rate is 46%. Read the full report on Auburn University
Oklahoma State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Graduates carry a median of $22,337 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,413. That is a strong return on a $22,337 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Drexel University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,412. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $84,648 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. More on Drexel University
Wright State University Main Campus ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value It Information Technology schools. Based in Dayton, OH, Wright State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,991, while out-of-state students pay about $20,691. Wright State University Main Campus It Information Technology students take on a median of $25,836 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,500 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,836 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on Wright State University Main Campus
Lawrence Technological University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Lawrence Technological University is a private not-for-profit school based in Southfield, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,760. The median It Information Technology program debt is $27,799. Lawrence Technological University alumni report median earnings of $69,151 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Lawrence Technological University
Temple University placed #39 among the best-value It Information Technology schools in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Typical It Information Technology student debt is $26,259. Temple University alumni report median earnings of $63,727 a decade after entry. Set against $26,259 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Temple University has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read the full report on Temple University
Iowa State University placed #40 among the best-value It Information Technology schools in the United States. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. The median It Information Technology program debt is $23,495. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,495 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about Iowa State University
Marymount University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in Arlington, VA, Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,120. Graduates carry a median of $26,880 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,516. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Marymount University
Florida Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Florida Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Melbourne, FL. Students from in state pay about $45,900 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $32,114 to complete their It Information Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,137. Set against $32,114 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. See the full Florida Institute Of Technology profile
Utah Valley University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Orem, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,507, compared with $18,489 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,600 to complete their It Information Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,486. That is a strong return on a $24,600 median debt. More on Utah Valley University
Rochester Institute Of Technology landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rochester, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $59,210. Rochester Institute Of Technology It Information Technology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $76,571 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 67%. See the full Rochester Institute Of Technology profile
Suny At Albany came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Albany, NY, Suny At Albany is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,601 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,991. The median It Information Technology program debt is $24,637. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,979. That is a strong return on a $24,637 median debt. Suny At Albany has an acceptance rate of 69%. Read more about Suny At Albany
Portland State University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Portland, OR. Students from in state pay about $11,118 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. Graduates carry a median of $26,475 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,906. Set against $26,475 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Portland State University
Virginia Commonwealth University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Richmond, VA. Students from in state pay about $16,720 in tuition and fees, compared with $39,884 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,813 to complete their It Information Technology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,128 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,813 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on Virginia Commonwealth University
Suny At Binghamton ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value It Information Technology schools. Based in Vestal, NY, Suny At Binghamton is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,567, while out-of-state students pay about $30,447. Graduates carry a median of $20,691 in student loans. Suny At Binghamton alumni report median earnings of $80,596 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny At Binghamton admits about 39% of applicants. See the full Suny At Binghamton profile
Oregon State University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Oregon State University is a public school based in Corvallis, OR. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Oregon State University It Information Technology students take on a median of $24,043 in debt. Oregon State University alumni report median earnings of $64,010 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,043 median debt. Oregon State University admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full Oregon State University report
University Of South Carolina Columbia ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value It Information Technology schools. Located in Columbia, SC, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,688, while out-of-state students pay about $36,298. University Of South Carolina Columbia It Information Technology students take on a median of $24,472 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,177 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,472 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of South Carolina Columbia
Old Dominion University placed #52 among the best-value It Information Technology schools in the United States. Located in Norfolk, VA, Old Dominion University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,750, while out-of-state students pay about $33,780. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their It Information Technology program here. Old Dominion University alumni report median earnings of $54,914 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Old Dominion University profile
Related It Information Technology Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value It Information Technology Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value It Information Technology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value It Information Technology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value It Information Technology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value It Information Technology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value It Information Technology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value It Information Technology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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 1314 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).