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2024 Best Information Science Schools

196 Colleges in the United States
17,504 IS Degrees Awarded
$59,671 Avg Early-Career Salary
Information Science is above average in terms of popularity with it being the #58 most popular degree program in the country. So, you have a fair amount of options to choose from when looking for a school.

For its 2024 ranking, College Factual looked at 196 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for information science students pursuing a degree. Combined, these schools handed out 17,504 degrees in information science to qualified students.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Information Science School

Best Information Science Schools The is program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Information Science rankings. In order to come up with a best overall ranking for information science schools, we combine our degree-level rankings, weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each level.

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

Pick Your Information Science Degree Level

Associate Degrees in IS
Bachelor's Degrees in IS
Master's Degrees in IS
Doctor's Degrees in IS

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings, including this Best Information Science Schools list to help you make the college decision. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Read more about College Factual's methodology.

Best Schools for Information Science in the United States

If you aren't interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the is degrees they offer, see the list below. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in IS

1
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
129 IS Degrees Awarded
22.5% Growth in Graduates

Northwestern University is a great decision for students interested in a degree in information science. Northwestern is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the small city of Evanston. A Best Colleges rank of #5 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Northwestern is a great university overall.

There were roughly 129 information science students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent data year. Information Science degree recipients from Northwestern University get an earnings boost of around $38,249 above the typical income of information science majors.

More information about a degree in information science from Northwestern University

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
380 IS Degrees Awarded
1.8% Growth in Graduates

University of California - Berkeley is one of the best schools in the United States for getting a degree in information science. UC Berkeley is a fairly large public university located in the medium-sized city of Berkeley. A Best Colleges rank of #18 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UC Berkeley is a great university overall.

There were roughly 380 information science students who graduated with this degree at UC Berkeley in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the information science program at University of California - Berkeley get $68,921 more than the typical college grad with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in information science from University of California - Berkeley

3
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In IL
439 IS Degrees Awarded

It is hard to beat University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign if you want to pursue a degree in information science. Located in the city of Champaign, UIUC is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #34 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UIUC is a great university overall.

There were about 439 information science students who graduated with this degree at UIUC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in information science from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
628 IS Degrees Awarded
$80,527 Median Starting Salary

It's difficult to beat University of Maryland - College Park if you wish to pursue a degree in information science. UMCP is a very large public university located in the large suburb of College Park. A Best Colleges rank of #42 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UMCP is a great university overall.

There were approximately 628 information science students who graduated with this degree at UMCP in the most recent year we have data available. Those information science students who get their degree from University of Maryland - College Park make $20,856 more than the standard is grad.

More information about a degree in information science from University of Maryland - College Park

5
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
50 IS Degrees Awarded
$108,932 Median Starting Salary

Johns Hopkins is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Baltimore. A Best Colleges rank of #23 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Johns Hopkins is a great university overall.

There were roughly 50 information science students who graduated with this degree at Johns Hopkins in the most recent year we have data available. Information Science degree recipients from Johns Hopkins University receive an earnings boost of around $49,261 above the typical income of information science majors.

More information about a degree in information science from Johns Hopkins University

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
226 IS Degrees Awarded
6.2% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Seattle, UW Seattle is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #37 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UW Seattle is a great university overall.

There were approximately 226 information science students who graduated with this degree at UW Seattle in the most recent data year. Information Science degree recipients from University of Washington - Seattle Campus receive an earnings boost of about $30,485 above the typical income of information science graduates.

More information about a degree in information science from University of Washington - Seattle Campus

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
374 IS Degrees Awarded
$65,785 Median Starting Salary

U-M is a very large public university located in the midsize city of Ann Arbor. A Best Colleges rank of #29 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means U-M is a great university overall.

There were roughly 374 information science students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent year we have data available. Those information science students who get their degree from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor make $6,114 more than the average is graduate.

More information about a degree in information science from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
101 IS Degrees Awarded
$54,885 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Austin, UT Austin is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #36 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UT Austin is a great university overall.

There were about 101 information science students who graduated with this degree at UT Austin in the most recent year we have data available. After graduating, is degree recipients usually make about $54,885 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in information science from The University of Texas at Austin

9
Harvard crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
10th Most Popular In MA
35.3% Growth in Graduates

Harvard is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the midsize city of Cambridge. A Best Colleges rank of #6 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Harvard is a great university overall.

There were about 17 information science students who graduated with this degree at Harvard in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in information science from Harvard University

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
8th Most Popular In GA

Located in the large city of Atlanta, Georgia Tech is a public school with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #24 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Georgia Tech is a great school overall.

There were about 2 information science students who graduated with this degree at Georgia Tech in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in information science from Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus

10
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
81 IS Degrees Awarded
$78,400 Median Starting Salary

GWU is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Washington. This university ranks 2nd out of 8 colleges for overall quality in the state of District of Columbia.

There were approximately 81 information science students who graduated with this degree at GWU in the most recent data year. Information Science degree recipients from George Washington University get an earnings boost of about $18,729 above the average earnings of information science graduates.

More information about a degree in information science from George Washington University

11
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
89 IS Degrees Awarded
$115,112 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of Dallas, SMU is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 4th out of 115 schools for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were roughly 89 information science students who graduated with this degree at SMU in the most recent data year. Those information science students who get their degree from Southern Methodist University make $55,441 more than the typical is graduate.

More information about a degree in information science from Southern Methodist University

12
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
2,460 IS Degrees Awarded
5.6% Growth in Graduates

UMGC is a fairly large public university located in the suburb of Adelphi. This university ranks 3rd out of 36 schools for overall quality in the state of Maryland.

There were about 2460 information science students who graduated with this degree at UMGC in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the information science degree program at University of Maryland Global Campus get $19,122 more than the typical graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in information science from University of Maryland Global Campus

13
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
225 IS Degrees Awarded
$92,380 Median Starting Salary

Boston U is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Boston. This university ranks 6th out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were approximately 225 information science students who graduated with this degree at Boston U in the most recent year we have data available. Those information science students who get their degree from Boston University receive $32,709 more than the typical is student.

More information about a degree in information science from Boston University

14
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
104 IS Degrees Awarded
$57,392 Median Starting Salary

UNC Chapel Hill is a very large public university located in the city of Chapel Hill. A Best Colleges rank of #43 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UNC Chapel Hill is a great university overall.

There were roughly 104 information science students who graduated with this degree at UNC Chapel Hill in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the is program state that they receive average early career income of $57,392.

More information about a degree in information science from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
251 IS Degrees Awarded
$69,731 Median Starting Salary

Syracuse is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the medium-sized city of Syracuse. This university ranks 12th out of 142 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were approximately 251 information science students who graduated with this degree at Syracuse in the most recent year we have data available. Information Science degree recipients from Syracuse University get an earnings boost of about $10,060 above the average income of information science graduates.

More information about a degree in information science from Syracuse University

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
138 IS Degrees Awarded
$62,719 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Pitt is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 7th out of 109 schools for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were roughly 138 information science students who graduated with this degree at Pitt in the most recent year we have data available. Information Science degree recipients from University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus receive an earnings boost of approximately $3,048 above the typical earnings of information science majors.

More information about a degree in information science from University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus

17
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
8th Most Popular In MA

Located in the city of Boston, BHCC is a public college with a medium-sized student population. This college ranks 22nd out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were about 15 information science students who graduated with this degree at BHCC in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in information science from Bunker Hill Community College

18
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
5th Most Popular In CA

Caltech is a small private not-for-profit school located in the midsize city of Pasadena. A Best Colleges rank of #31 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Caltech is a great school overall.

There were roughly 6 information science students who graduated with this degree at Caltech in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in information science from California Institute of Technology

19
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
437 IS Degrees Awarded
$70,592 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of Baltimore, UMBC is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 4th out of 36 schools for overall quality in the state of Maryland.

There were approximately 437 information science students who graduated with this degree at UMBC in the most recent year we have data available. Those information science students who get their degree from University of Maryland - Baltimore County receive $10,921 more than the standard is graduate.

More information about a degree in information science from University of Maryland - Baltimore County

20
Drexel crest
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
117 IS Degrees Awarded
$74,663 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Philadelphia, Drexel is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 10th out of 109 schools for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were approximately 117 information science students who graduated with this degree at Drexel in the most recent data year. Information Science degree recipients from Drexel University receive an earnings boost of about $14,992 above the typical income of information science majors.

More information about a degree in information science from Drexel University

21
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
33rd Most Popular In NY

Located in the city of New York, Columbia is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #14 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Columbia is a great university overall.

There were about 10 information science students who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in information science from Columbia University in the City of New York

22
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
481 IS Degrees Awarded
$50,688 Median Starting Salary

Rutgers New Brunswick is a fairly large public university located in the city of New Brunswick. This university ranks 3rd out of 44 colleges for overall quality in the state of New Jersey.

There were roughly 481 information science students who graduated with this degree at Rutgers New Brunswick in the most recent data year. Soon after graduating, is degree recipients usually earn about $50,688 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in information science from Rutgers University - New Brunswick

23
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
124 IS Degrees Awarded
$75,040 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Newark, NJIT is a public school with a large student population. This school ranks 4th out of 44 colleges for overall quality in the state of New Jersey.

There were approximately 124 information science students who graduated with this degree at NJIT in the most recent data year. Information Science degree recipients from New Jersey Institute of Technology receive an earnings boost of approximately $15,369 over the average income of information science graduates.

More information about a degree in information science from New Jersey Institute of Technology

24
JMU crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
155 IS Degrees Awarded
$70,020 Median Starting Salary

JMU is a fairly large public university located in the city of Harrisonburg. This university ranks 6th out of 63 schools for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were approximately 155 information science students who graduated with this degree at JMU in the most recent year we have data available. Those information science students who get their degree from James Madison University make $10,349 more than the average is graduate.

More information about a degree in information science from James Madison University

Rest of the Top Best Information Science Schools

26
27
U of U crest
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT
28
29

Additional Noteworthy Schools

Here are some additional great schools for Information Science students that almost earned our Best Information Science Schools award.

RankCollegeLocation
30The University of Texas at DallasRichardson, TX
31Ivy Tech Community CollegeIndianapolis, IN
32Missouri University of Science and TechnologyRolla, MO
33University of Minnesota - Twin CitiesMinneapolis, MN
33New York UniversityNew York, NY
34George Mason UniversityFairfax, VA
35University of ChicagoChicago, IL
36Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond, VA
37Robert Morris UniversityMoon Township, PA
38University of Illinois at ChicagoChicago, IL
39University of Massachusetts - LowellLowell, MA

Information Science by Region

View the Best Information Science Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Other U.S. Territories
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

Information Science is one of 10 different types of Computer & Information Sciences programs to choose from.

IS Concentrations

MajorAnnual Graduates
General Information Science17,504

View All IS Focus Areas >

Related MajorAnnual Graduates
Computer Information Systems91,113
Computer Science60,631
Information Technology42,900
Computer Software & Applications14,312
Computer Systems Networking13,795
Computer Programming12,932
Computer Systems Analysis2,261
Data Processing1,981
Other Computer & Information Sciences1,770
Data Entry498

View All IS Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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