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