Location: Fullerton, CA•In-State Tuition: $7,073•Out-of-State Tuition: $18,953•Admission Rate: 87%
Median Earnings (1yr)
$49,897
26th percentile
25th percentile in California
Median Debt
$15,337
40% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.31 ManageableSample: 156 graduates

Analysis

Cal State Fullerton's Information Science program delivers exceptionally low debt—just $15,337, well below California's median of $19,877—but earnings lag significantly behind alternatives. Starting at $49,897, graduates earn about $13,000 less than the California median and rank in just the 25th percentile statewide. Among the 11 California schools offering this degree, you'll find notably stronger options: UC Riverside graduates start at $76,090, a $26,000 difference that compounds over time.

The 24% earnings growth to $61,927 by year four helps close the gap somewhat, but graduates still trail state peers earning $63,000 at the median. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 looks reasonable on paper, yet that's partly because the debt is low rather than the earnings being strong. For a school serving 47% Pell-eligible students, the manageable debt matters—but so does earning potential.

If your child has other California options for information science, particularly UC Riverside or schools near the state median, those merit serious consideration. The earnings gap isn't trivial, and it persists even after several years of work experience. This program makes the most sense if in-state tuition and location are decisive factors and your family prioritizes minimizing debt over maximizing starting salary.

Where California State University-Fullerton Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all information science/studies bachelors's programs nationally

California State University-FullertonOther information science/studies programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How California State University-Fullerton graduates compare to all programs nationally

California State University-Fullerton earns $50k — 26th percentile among information science/studies bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
California State University-Fullerton$49,897$61,927+24%
Boston College$80,731$106,214+32%
Florida Institute of Technology$59,368$101,605+71%
Florida Institute of Technology-Online$59,368$101,605+71%
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor$88,515$99,659+13%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Information Science/Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (11 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
California State University-FullertonFullerton$7,073$49,897$61,927$15,3370.31
University of California-RiversideRiverside$14,170$76,090—$24,4170.32
National Median—$58,651—$25,7500.44

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with information science/studies graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

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.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Software Developers

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.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

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.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web and Digital Interface Designers

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.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

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.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Computer Occupations, All Other

All computer occupations not listed separately.

Web Administrators

Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications.

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.

Document Management Specialists

Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents.

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 California State University-Fullerton, approximately 47% 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.