- 1.IT Managers earn a median salary of $169,510 with 16% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Information Systems programs include University of Maryland Global Campus, University of Maryland-College Park, University of Georgia based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of Maryland Global Campus offers information systems education at $7,632/year with 74% graduation rate
- 4.50 accredited Information Systems programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Information Systems Programs - Top 10 Best Value
University of Maryland Global Campus
2001 information systems graduates annually
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 for Information Systems based on 74% graduation rate, 2001 graduates, and overall score of 84.4/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 74% graduation rate
- 2001 information systems graduates annually
- Accredited institution
University of Maryland-College Park
Smith's MSIS program is ranked #7 among public universities for Management Information Systems and uniquely focuses on developing students as strategic liaisons between technical teams and business leadership, with mandatory real-company partnerships and AI proficiency training.
Program Overview
The University of Maryland's Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) program at the Robert H. Smith School of Business is a STEM-designated, 30-credit degree that transforms students into strategic technology leaders who bridge the gap between technical teams and business leadership. Completed in just three semesters, this intensive program combines cutting-edge AI and data science training with practical business applications. Students dive deep into artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, and digital business transformation while working on real-world projects with industry partners through required industry seminars and capstone experiences. The program uniquely positions graduates as 'translators' between highly technical teams and executive leadership—a critical role in today's AI-driven business landscape. With an average starting salary of $77,000 and strong placement rates at companies like Google, Amazon, and Salesforce, the program attracts students from diverse backgrounds who want to lead technological change in organizations.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
AI applications in business contexts and strategic implementation
Advanced analytics and data science research partnerships
Industry Partners
Admissions
University of Georgia
369 information systems graduates annually
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 for Information Systems based on 95% graduation rate, 369 graduates, and overall score of 69.4/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 369 information systems graduates annually
- Accredited institution
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Penn State's Information Systems program uniquely combines rigorous business foundation coursework with cutting-edge technical training, requiring all students to complete real-world internships and capstone system design projects while offering seamless pathways from bachelor's to master's degrees on the same campus.
Syracuse University
Syracuse's iSchool is ranked #26 in Best Online Master's in Computer Information Technology Programs and offers one of the fastest completion times in the field - students can earn their MS in Information Systems in just 12 months, with STEM designation providing up to 36 months of OPT work authorization for international students.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Unable to determine unique distinguishing factors without access to program-specific information.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Illinois Information Systems uniquely combines a top-10 business school education with direct access to quantum computing research and one of the nation's premier cybersecurity labs, positioning graduates at the intersection of emerging technologies and business innovation.
University of Houston
UH's MS MIS program stands out by combining STEM designation with deep industry integration in Houston's Fortune 500 corridor, offering dual pathways for both traditional on-campus and fully online completion with identical curriculum rigor.
The University of Texas at Austin
178 information systems graduates annually
Columbia University in the City of New York
13 information systems graduates annually
Best Information Systems Programs - Compare Top 5 Best Value
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi, MD | Public | $7,632 | 74% | 84.4/100 |
| #2 University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | Public | $9,889 | 84% | 72.4/100 |
| #3 University of Georgia | Athens, GA | Public | $9,790 | 95% | 69.4/100 |
| #4 Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $19,672 | 87% | 67.7/100 |
| #5 Syracuse University | Syracuse, NY | Private | $61,310 | 99% | 67.7/100 |
Best Value Information Systems Programs 2026
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi, MD | $7,632 | — | — | — |
| 2 | University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | $9,889 | — | — | — |
| 3 | University of Georgia | Athens, GA | $9,790 | — | — | — |
| 4 | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | $19,672 | — | — | — |
| 5 | Syracuse University | Syracuse, NY | $61,310 | — | — | — |
| 6 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | $17,977 | — | — | — |
| 7 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | $14,768 | — | — | — |
| 8 | University of Houston | Houston, TX | $8,685 | — | — | — |
| 9 | The University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX | $11,678 | — | — | — |
| 10 | Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | $64,526 | — | — | — |
| 11 | Northwestern University | Evanston, IL | $64,887 | — | — | — |
| 12 | CUNY New York City College of Technology | Brooklyn, NY | $6,930 | — | — | — |
| 13 | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | New Brunswick, NJ | $13,674 | — | — | — |
| 14 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | $7,710 | — | — | — |
| 15 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | $7,019 | — | — | — |
| 16 | Grambling State University | Grambling, LA | $5,140 | — | — | — |
| 17 | CUNY Bernard M Baruch College | New York, NY | $6,930 | — | — | — |
| 18 | University of Maryland-Baltimore County | Baltimore, MD | $9,238 | — | — | — |
| 19 | Santa Clara University | Santa Clara, CA | $58,587 | — | — | — |
| 20 | Binghamton University | Vestal, NY | $7,070 | — | — | — |
| 21 | James Madison University | Harrisonburg, VA | $7,914 | — | — | — |
| 22 | University of Massachusetts-Lowell | Lowell, MA | $15,850 | — | — | — |
| 23 | Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NY | $7,070 | — | — | — |
| 24 | Howard University | Washington, DC | $32,878 | — | — | — |
| 25 | University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | Norman, OK | $5,070 | — | — | — |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Career Paths
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Analyze business requirements and design information systems solutions
IT Project Manager
SOC 11-3021Lead technology implementation projects and coordinate development teams
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1241Design, implement, and maintain organizational database systems
Information Systems Manager
SOC 11-3021Oversee technology strategy and manage IT operations
Business Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-2051Analyze data to support strategic business decision making
Best Value Programs by State
Arizona
Florida
Texas
Georgia
Virginia
Washington
Public vs Private Information Systems Programs: Value Analysis
Public universities consistently deliver better value for information systems education, with in-state tuition averaging 60% less than private institutions. State universities like Arizona State, University of Florida, and Texas A&M combine affordable tuition with strong academic programs and extensive alumni networks in the technology sector.
Private institutions may offer smaller class sizes and specialized programs, but the cost premium rarely justifies the investment for most students. The median debt load for private MIS programs exceeds $45,000, compared to $22,000 for public programs. This difference significantly impacts long-term return on investment, especially given similar employment outcomes.
Students should also consider online information systems programs, which can reduce total costs by eliminating housing and transportation expenses. Many top-ranked universities now offer fully online MIS degrees with identical curriculum and faculty as their on-campus programs.
Best Value Information Systems Programs FAQ
Based on 152 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Systems degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific information systems salaries from BLS OES 2024
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