Analysis
Information Science programs nationally cluster around $58,000 in first-year earnings—the estimate for this BYU-Idaho program—which suggests a decent immediate return, particularly when paired with estimated debt of $26,700. That 0.46 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would need roughly half their first-year income to clear their loans, a manageable burden if those earnings hold steady or grow.
What's less clear is how BYU-Idaho's specific approach to Information Science compares to the national pool these estimates draw from. The university's 97% admission rate and modest SAT scores signal accessibility rather than selectivity, which could mean more varied student preparation but also fewer barriers to entry. With only two schools offering this major in Idaho and no state-level comparisons available, there's no way to gauge whether this program performs better or worse than its in-state competitor.
The practical takeaway: the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value if your student lands near that $58,000 mark and keeps debt close to $27,000. But without actual outcomes data from BYU-Idaho graduates, you're operating on faith that their experience will mirror the national median. Before committing, dig into what employers recruit from this campus and whether the curriculum aligns with in-demand skills like data analytics or information systems management—that alignment matters more than the estimates when the data's this thin.
Where Brigham Young University-Idaho Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all information science/studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Information Science/Studies bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,656 | $58,651* | — | $26,694* | — | |
| $65,997 | $102,998* | — | $12,000* | 0.12 | |
| $49,600 | $98,551* | — | $24,625* | 0.25 | |
| — | $88,713* | — | $16,667* | 0.19 | |
| $17,228 | $88,515* | $99,659 | $20,875* | 0.24 | |
| $67,680 | $80,731* | $106,214 | $17,500* | 0.22 | |
| National Median | — | $58,651* | — | $25,750* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with information science/studies graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Computer Occupations, All Other
Web Administrators
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
Document Management Specialists
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Brigham Young University-Idaho, approximately 25% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 129 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.