Information Science/Studies at Charleston Southern University

At $26,694 in estimated debt, this program lands right in line with what information science graduates typically borrow nationwide, though peer programs in South Carolina suggest first-year earnings around $55,867—about $3,000 below the national median for this field. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 indicates manageable repayment in theory, but context matters: South Carolina's information science programs show a 70% earnings spread from top to bottom, with Clemson grads starting near $77,000 while others begin in the mid-$40s.

Charleston Southern's accessible admission standards (76% acceptance rate) and significant Pell Grant population suggest it serves students who might not access higher-performing alternatives like Clemson or College of Charleston, where comparable programs produce substantially stronger starting salaries. The estimated figures here place this program squarely in the middle of the state pack—neither a standout nor a red flag. For families watching every dollar, that $27,000 in debt becomes easier to justify if your student can differentiate themselves through internships or technical skills that push earnings toward the higher end of the range. Without those advantages, you're looking at a credential that gets you into the field but doesn't necessarily position you for its better-paying entry points.