College ROI

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General

Information Sciences

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Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Information Sciences.

Entry Level Salary
$63,721
Median Salary
$115,857
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
17.6%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $4,634,280
Entry (Early)
$63,721
Median (Prime)
$115,857
High (Prime)
$120,240

ROI Sensitivity Analysis
Assuming 4 Years to Graduation

This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.

Lifetime Value Added (NPV)

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
+113k
+535k
+570k
$25k / yr
+23k
+445k
+480k
$50k / yr
-67k
+355k
+390k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
31
24
24
$25k / yr
51
27
27
$50k / yr
Never
31
30

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
∞
∞
∞
$25k / yr
21%
409%
441%
$50k / yr
-31%
163%
179%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).

These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →

Education Impact

Advanced Degree Rate28.7%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.

Top Professions

Software developers

14.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$96,466
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$129,693|$135,980
openings
95,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.2%

Management occupations

5.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$75,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$136,711|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

Computer and information systems managers

5.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$78,783
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$139,340|$175,140
openings
53,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.8%

Computer occupations, all other

4.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$66,800
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$102,938|$116,580
openings
27,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.1%

Computer systems analysts

4.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$69,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$107,184|$105,850
openings
32,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +7.9%

Computer support specialists

4.1% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$52,136
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$72,057|$62,890
openings
48,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): -2.7%

Management analysts

3.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$77,203
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$107,184|$101,860
openings
94,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.1%

Project management specialists

2.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$77,173
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$115,857|$102,320
openings
76,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.7%

Information security analysts

2.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$85,747
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$121,118|$129,180
openings
14,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +21%

Mathematical science occupations

2.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$51,469
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$91,107|$107,570
openings
36,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +25.3%

About this Data:

  • Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
  • Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
  • Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).

Program Variants & Earnings Ranges

Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.

Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.

Program TitleCredential Level# CollegesMedian Earnings Range
computer and information sciences and support services, other.Undergrad Certificate19$30,056 - $53,067
computer and information sciences and support services, other.Associate's Degree19$34,303 - $71,183
computer and information sciences and support services, other.Bachelor's Degree14$69,222 - $97,030
computer and information sciences and support services, other.Post-bacc Certificate3$114,122 - $114,122
computer and information sciences and support services, other.Master's Degree5$148,000 - $148,000
computer and information sciences, general.Undergrad Certificate231$28,075 - $85,543
computer and information sciences, general.Associate's Degree477$32,456 - $112,547
computer and information sciences, general.Bachelor's Degree743$35,586 - $241,380
computer and information sciences, general.Post-bacc Certificate5Data N/A
computer and information sciences, general.Master's Degree269$65,334 - $222,544
computer and information sciences, general.Doctoral Degree69$158,849 - $158,849
computer and information sciences, general.Graduate Certificate20$93,919 - $117,542
information science/studies.Undergrad Certificate24$42,353 - $103,046
information science/studies.Associate's Degree70$46,219 - $75,423
information science/studies.Bachelor's Degree228$43,227 - $163,740
information science/studies.Post-bacc Certificate5$141,703 - $141,703
information science/studies.Master's Degree126$40,414 - $173,816
information science/studies.Doctoral Degree23Data N/A
information science/studies.First Professional Degree1$209,391 - $209,391
information science/studies.Graduate Certificate14$52,761 - $114,207