Information Science/Studies at Carthage College

The estimated $26,694 in debt sits right at the national median for information science programs, but the earnings picture is more complicated. Based on comparable programs in Wisconsin, first-year earnings of roughly $51,600 lag the national median of $58,600 by about $7,000—a gap that adds up when you're making loan payments. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 suggests manageable repayment, but it's worth noting that some Wisconsin programs produce significantly higher outcomes: Rasmussen University-Wisconsin grads earn around $64,300, showing there's real variance in the state.

The challenge is that we're working with estimates here because Carthage's graduate sample was too small to report. Similar programs suggest the debt load will be reasonable, but without actual data on where Carthage grads land—what companies hire them, what roles they fill—you're making a decision with less visibility than at programs with reported outcomes. Information science can lead to diverse careers, from data analysis to IT project management, and the school's strong 84% admission rate means your child will likely get in, but that doesn't tell you much about post-graduation placement.

Given the estimated figures put this program roughly at Wisconsin averages but below national benchmarks, you'd want to dig into Carthage's specific job placement support and alumni network in tech before committing. The debt level shouldn't be crushing, but the earnings uncertainty matters when stronger-performing programs exist in the same state.