Information Science graduates earn $85,294 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 19.7%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Computer & Information Research Scientist is among the highest-growth roles in the field.
Information Science is a focused area of study within Computer Science. Graduates typically earn around $85,294 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 473 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 20,202 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$61,290
Median Earnings · 4yr
$85,294
Colleges Offering
473
Graduates / Year
20,202
Avg Net Price / yr
$16,936
How Much Do Information Science Graduates Earn?
Information Science graduates earn $85,294 four years out, well above average for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $59,774 and $116,854. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $61,290 climbs to $85,294 by year four.
$61,290
1 Year After Graduation
Earnings grow steadily as you advance past entry-level roles. The four-year figure is a better long-term target.
$85,294
4-Year National Median
Well above average for college graduates.
$83,331
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a wide earnings spread across Information Science graduates. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.
$59,77425th pct.
$85,294Median
$116,85475th pct.
Why This Program Pays Off Fast
Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $85,294 against an estimated $67,744 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.
Based on outcomes from 309 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 20,202 students who complete Information Science programs each year, the majority (48%) earn a bachelor's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
48%42%
Bachelor's48%
Master's42%
Associate's5%
What Can You Do With an Information Science Degree?
Information Science connects to 6 occupations in the job market. Computer & Information Systems Manager leads at $175,140/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Judgment and Decision MakingCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingReading ComprehensionActive Listening
Day-to-day responsibilities
Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.
Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.
Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.
Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.
Critical ThinkingJudgment and Decision MakingReading ComprehensionComplex Problem SolvingCritical Thinking
Day-to-day responsibilities
Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.
Develop and document database architectures.
Collaborate with system architects, software architects, design analysts, and others to understand business or industry requirements.
Develop database architectural strategies at the modeling, design and implementation stages to address business or industry requirements.
ProgrammingCritical ThinkingJudgment and Decision MakingReading ComprehensionActive Learning
Day-to-day responsibilities
Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.
Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
Develop or direct software system testing or validation procedures, programming, or documentation.
Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design systems and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
ProgrammingActive ListeningReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingJudgment and Decision Making
Day-to-day responsibilities
Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.
Balance and adjust gameplay experiences to ensure the critical and commercial success of the product.
Devise missions, challenges, or puzzles to be encountered in game play.
Create core game features, including storylines, role-play mechanics, and character biographies for a new video game or game franchise.
Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Compile, administer, and grade examinations or assign this work to others.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as programming, data structures, and software design.
Top Colleges for Information Science
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Information Science students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by Information Science graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Computer Science Programs
Information Science is one of 12 specializations within Computer Science. The comparison below shows where this program ranks by 4-year median earnings.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Information Science program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
Strong earnings and positive career growth make Information Science a solid option. The 4 strengths and 1 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.
PROS
Strong median salaryGraduates earn $85,294 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $61,290 at graduation to $85,294 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Fast-growing fieldRelated careers are projected to grow up to +19.7% over the next decade, with Computer & Information Research Scientist among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 190,600 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
Advanced degree often expectedTop roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Information Science Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Information Science graduates earn?
Information Science graduates earn a national median of $85,294 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $59,774 and $116,854. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Information Science degree?
One year after graduation, Information Science degree holders earn a median of $61,290. That climbs to $85,294 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Information Science degree?
Information Science degree holders pursue careers including Computer & Information Systems Manager, which pays a median of $175,140/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Information Science program take?
A Information Science bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.
How many colleges offer Information Science?
473 colleges and universities in the United States offer Information Science programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Information Science degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $85,294 and an average net price of roughly $16,936/yr, a Information Science degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Information Science and Computer Science?
Information Science is a focused concentration within the broader Computer Science field. The Computer Science major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Information Science-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Information Science graduates?
Employers hiring Information Science graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework.
Is graduate school worth it for Information Science graduates?
In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000 to $40,000 in long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Information Science graduates?
The job outlook for Information Science graduates is strong overall. Related occupations project an average of +12.0% job growth over the next 10 years. Computer & Information Research Scientist is among the strongest-growth roles at +19.7%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
Related Computer Science Programs
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