Information Systems graduates earn $92,374 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 33.5%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Data Scientist is among the highest-growth roles in the field.
Information Systems is a focused area of study within Computer Science. Graduates typically earn around $92,374 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 1,579 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 103,827 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
$61,699
Median Earnings · 4yr
$92,374
Colleges Offering
1,579
Graduates / Year
103,827
Avg Net Price / yr
$20,389
How Much Do Information Systems Graduates Earn?
Information Systems graduates earn $92,374 four years out, well above average for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $64,179 and $128,180. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $61,699 climbs to $92,374 by year four.
$61,699
1 Year After Graduation
Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.
$92,374
4-Year National Median
Well above average for college graduates.
$85,155
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 Systems 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.
$64,17925th pct.
$92,374Median
$128,18075th pct.
Why This Program Pays Off Fast
Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $92,374 against an estimated $81,556 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.
Based on outcomes from 946 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 103,827 students who complete Information Systems programs each year, the majority (49%) earn a bachelor's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
49%31%
Bachelor's49%
Master's31%
Associate's13%
What Can You Do With an Information Systems Degree?
Information Systems connects to 8 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.
Critical ThinkingReading ComprehensionProgrammingSystems EvaluationComplex Problem Solving
Day-to-day responsibilities
Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.
Develop disaster recovery plans.
Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes.
Develop and implement solutions for network problems.
Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingActive ListeningSpeaking
Day-to-day responsibilities
Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.
Develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs.
Monitor current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems.
Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers.
Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.
Generate standard or custom reports summarizing business, financial, or economic data for review by executives, managers, clients, and other stakeholders.
Maintain or update business intelligence tools, databases, dashboards, systems, or methods.
Manage timely flow of business intelligence information to users.
Reading ComprehensionComplex Problem SolvingSpeakingActive ListeningWriting
Day-to-day responsibilities
Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.
Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.
Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer-related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.
Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.
Top Colleges for Information Systems
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Information Systems students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by Information Systems graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Computer Science Programs
Information Systems 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 Systems 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 Systems a solid option. The 4 strengths and 2 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.
PROS
Strong median salaryGraduates earn $92,374 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $61,699 at graduation to $92,374 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Fast-growing fieldRelated careers are projected to grow up to +33.5% over the next decade, with Data Scientist among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 262,800 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.
Highly competitive market103,827 students graduate from this program every year, one of the higher volumes nationally. Entry-level competition can be stiff.
Information Systems Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Information Systems graduates earn?
Information Systems graduates earn a national median of $92,374 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $64,179 and $128,180. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Information Systems degree?
One year after graduation, Information Systems degree holders earn a median of $61,699. That climbs to $92,374 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Information Systems degree?
Information Systems 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 Systems program take?
A Information Systems 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 Systems?
1,579 colleges and universities in the United States offer Information Systems programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Information Systems degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $92,374 and an average net price of roughly $20,389/yr, a Information Systems 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 Systems and Computer Science?
Information Systems 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 Systems-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 Systems graduates?
Employers hiring Information Systems 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 Systems 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 Systems graduates?
The job outlook for Information Systems graduates is strong overall. Related occupations project an average of +17.8% job growth over the next 10 years. Data Scientist is among the strongest-growth roles at +33.5%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
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