Location: Staten Island, NY•In-State Tuition: $7,490•Out-of-State Tuition: $15,440
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$51,363
Est. from NY median (14 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$21,365
Est. from NY median (8 programs)

Analysis

Looking at comparable Information Science programs across New York, the estimated first-year earnings of $51,363 fall right at the state median but about $7,000 below the national benchmark. That gap matters less than it might elsewhere, though, because the estimated debt of $21,365 is relatively manageable—yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 that suggests graduates could reasonably handle their loan payments while building a career in the field.

The real question is trajectory. Other CUNY programs in this field show a wide range of outcomes, from the Graduate School's $74,000 to this program's more modest projection. Information Science degrees typically lead to roles in data analysis, information architecture, or systems coordination—fields where starting salaries can vary significantly based on technical depth and employer type. With nearly half of CSI students receiving Pell grants, many graduates may be entering the workforce with strong economic pressure to start earning immediately, making that first-year figure particularly important.

For parents evaluating this investment, the estimated debt burden won't be crushing, but you're looking at middle-of-the-pack outcomes in a state where stronger-earning programs exist. If your student is committed to staying local and values CSI's affordability, the numbers suggest a workable path. But if they're open to other CUNY campuses or state schools where peer programs produce significantly higher earnings, those options deserve serious consideration before committing.

Where College of Staten Island CUNY Stands

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

College of Staten Island CUNY (estimated ±10%)Other information science/studies programs

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

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Information Science/Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (34 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
College of Staten Island CUNYStaten Island$7,490$51,363*—$21,365*—
Excelsior UniversityAlbany—$88,713*—$16,667*0.19
CUNY Graduate School and University CenterNew York$7,410$73,937*—$24,950*0.34
Syracuse UniversitySyracuse$63,061$73,033*$84,923$26,694*0.37
Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook$10,560$68,007*$88,954$19,750*0.29
SUNY Old WestburyOld Westbury$8,379$56,333*——*—
National Median—$58,651*—$25,750*0.44
* Estimated from similar programs

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 Staten Island CUNY, approximately 49% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 14 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.