Information Science/Studies at College of Charleston
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
College of Charleston's Information Science program graduates earn $63,069 in their first year—solidly above both the national median ($58,651) and South Carolina's median ($55,866) for this degree. At 60th percentile statewide, it outperforms most SC competitors, though it trails Clemson and Strayer's programs by roughly $10,000. With just $22,591 in median debt, graduates face a manageable 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they owe about four months' salary. That's a comfortable position for launching a career in tech or information management.
The value proposition here is straightforward: decent earnings with below-average debt loads. While the debt figure sits at the 75th percentile nationally (meaning three-quarters of similar programs carry less debt), the absolute amount remains reasonable—especially compared to SC's state median debt of nearly $26,000. The combination produces solid financial fundamentals without the premium price tag of schools like Clemson, which may appeal if Charleston's coastal location and liberal arts environment fit your student's preferences.
For families weighing in-state options, this program delivers respectable outcomes at College of Charleston's accessible admission rate. It's not transformative earnings, but $63,000 with minimal debt is a sensible foundation for career growth in information systems, data management, or related tech fields.
Where College of Charleston Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all information science/studies bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How College of Charleston graduates compare to all programs nationally
College of Charleston graduates earn $63k, placing them in the 59th percentile of all information science/studies bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina
Information Science/Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (11 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of Charleston | $63,069 | — | $22,591 | 0.36 |
| Clemson University | $76,549 | — | $25,964 | 0.34 |
| Strayer University-South Carolina | $71,167 | $78,793 | $53,250 | 0.75 |
| University of South Carolina-Upstate | $48,664 | $66,316 | — | — |
| South University-Columbia | $44,682 | $60,708 | $52,173 | 1.17 |
| Coastal Carolina University | $31,322 | $75,165 | $20,336 | 0.65 |
| National Median | $58,651 | — | $25,750 | 0.44 |
Other Information Science/Studies Programs in South Carolina
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across South Carolina schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson University Clemson | $15,554 | $76,549 | $25,964 |
| Strayer University-South Carolina Greenville | $13,920 | $71,167 | $53,250 |
| University of South Carolina-Upstate Spartanburg | $11,583 | $48,664 | — |
| South University-Columbia Columbia | $18,238 | $44,682 | $52,173 |
| Coastal Carolina University Conway | $11,640 | $31,322 | $20,336 |
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 College of Charleston, approximately 19% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 31 graduates with reported earnings and 32 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.