Location: Charleston, SC•In-State Tuition: $12,978•Out-of-State Tuition: $36,858•Admission Rate: 72%•Avg SAT: 1238
Median Earnings (1yr)
$63,069
59th percentile
60th percentile in South Carolina
Median Debt
$22,591
12% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.36 ManageableSample: 31 graduates

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

College of CharlestonOther information science/studies programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How College of Charleston graduates compare to all programs nationally

College of Charleston earns $63k — 59th percentile among information science/studies bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina

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

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
College of CharlestonCharleston$12,978$63,069—$22,5910.36
Clemson UniversityClemson$15,554$76,549—$25,9640.34
Strayer University-South CarolinaGreenville$13,920$71,167$78,793$53,2500.75
University of South Carolina-UpstateSpartanburg$11,583$48,664$66,316——
South University-ColumbiaColumbia$18,238$44,682$60,708$52,1731.17
Coastal Carolina UniversityConway$11,640$31,322$75,165$20,3360.65
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 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.