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Best Value Information Science/Studies Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Information Science programs show remarkable cost variation, with CUNY schools delivering strong value at under $3,000 net cost while University of Michigan-Ann Arbor commands $14,832 but produces the highest earnings at $76,460. The $46,775 earnings gap between top and bottom performers reflects the field's connection to major tech markets. CUNY Brooklyn College stands out at just $2,943 net cost, making quality information science education accessible in New York's data-rich economy. California State University-Fullerton offers strong middle-ground value at $5,646 with $49,312 earnings, while Texas and Utah schools provide regional access points. The wide acceptance rates, ranging from Michigan's selective 17.69% to more open programs above 80%, indicate varying program focuses from research-intensive to professionally oriented tracks. Information science graduates enter a national market where library systems, tech companies, and government agencies increasingly need professionals who understand data organization and user experience.
50
Programs
$2,943 – $21,816
Net Price Range
$57,269
Avg. Program Earnings
55.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Information Science/Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,978 $49,571 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
2 $2,943 $42,188 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
3 $3,482 $46,673 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
4 $4,783 $46,357 $7,332 19.4% 81.8%
5 $5,646 $49,312 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
6 $8,624 $66,915 $7,499 26.5% 82.1%
7 $8,463 $64,990 $6,270 40.7%
8 $9,121 $50,856 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
9 $9,173 $51,035 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
10 $5,458 $29,685 $3,148 26.8%
11 $14,832 $76,460 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
12 $12,280 $63,005 $14,014 44.6% 66.4%
13 $7,168 $36,560 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
14 $13,853 $67,660 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
15 $13,172 $62,409 $9,315 63.9% 89.1%
16 $8,683 $41,025 $5,498 25.2%
17 $12,869 $60,298 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
18 $13,773 $61,516 $14,278 63.6% 81.5%
19 $12,313 $54,835 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
20 $14,514 $64,608 $7,992 29.6%
21 $13,742 $60,771 $11,640 50.8% 78.6%
22 $11,268 $49,683 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
23 $13,809 $59,350 $8,864 44.6% 97.9%
24 $15,590 $66,485 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
25 $12,791 $53,358 $8,370 47.5% 85.9%
26 $12,983 $53,984 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
27 $16,943 $65,355 $13,920 50.0%
28 $16,496 $63,005 $19,022 73.1% 66.0%
29 $15,702 $59,485 $7,356 54.3% 95.7%
30 $15,235 $57,110 $11,728 56.5% 80.8%
31 $17,517 $65,355 $13,920 50.0%
32 $17,518 $65,355 $13,920
33 $18,092 $65,355 $13,920
34 $18,224 $65,355 $13,920 23.1%
35 $20,924 $74,367 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
36 $13,493 $47,846 $5,633 47.8% 88.0%
37 $18,466 $65,355 $13,920
38 $11,298 $39,729 $6,007 41.7% 89.5%
39 $16,456 $57,564 $10,638 67.4% 91.1%
40 $17,096 $59,124 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
41 $18,918 $65,355 $13,920 20.0%
42 $12,948 $43,957 $9,401 38.0% 98.8%
43 $18,328 $62,111 $12,952 70.6% 80.6%
44 $16,791 $56,544 $11,306 67.6% 78.6%
45 $15,108 $50,439 $7,970 55.7%
46 $16,531 $54,970 $5,905 52.1% 88.9%
47 $18,627 $61,814 $16,570 70.1% 86.0%
48 $21,816 $72,290 $13,576 80.9% 78.3%
49 $18,430 $60,523 $10,560 77.8% 49.1%
50 $16,972 $55,512 $5,786 48.1% 67.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY schools such strong values for Information Science?

CUNY schools dominate the top value spots with net costs under $3,500, led by Brooklyn College at $2,943 and Baruch at $2,978. These programs leverage New York City's concentration of libraries, museums, and tech companies for internships and job placement. Baruch graduates earn $49,571 while Brooklyn graduates earn $42,188, both solid returns on minimal investment. The 49-55% acceptance rates indicate selective but accessible programs.

How do graduation rates vary among affordable Information Science programs?

Graduation rates span dramatically from 19.40% at CUNY NYC College of Technology to 93.20% at Michigan-Ann Arbor. Mid-tier affordable options show mixed results, with Cal State Fullerton achieving 69.20% while Utah Valley manages 40.70% despite similar costs. The data suggests that extremely low-cost programs sometimes struggle with completion, while moderate-cost schools often deliver better outcomes.

Where do Information Science graduates earn the highest salaries?

Michigan-Ann Arbor leads at $76,460, followed by University of Houston at $67,660 and Houston-Victoria at $66,915. Texas and Michigan schools dominate the top earnings, reflecting strong regional tech and energy sector demand. Even mid-cost programs like Utah Valley produce $64,990 graduates, showing that location and industry connections matter as much as school prestige.

Does higher cost always mean better career outcomes in Information Science?

Not necessarily. Utah Valley University costs $8,463 but produces $64,990 earners, while Baruch costs $2,978 and graduates earn $49,571. The cost-to-earnings ratio varies widely, with some expensive programs like Michigan-Flint at $12,280 producing $63,005 earners. Texas Southmost College shows the risk of ultra-low cost at $5,458 with only $29,685 earnings.

What debt levels should Information Science students expect?

Student debt ranges from $10,750 at Baruch to $25,000 at Northern Kentucky, with most programs falling between $13,000-$19,000. Several top-value schools report no debt data, suggesting many students graduate debt-free. Michigan-Ann Arbor's $17,592 debt seems reasonable given $76,460 earnings, while Northern Kentucky's $25,000 debt against $36,560 earnings presents a tougher financial picture.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.