Information Science/Studies at CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

Baruch's Information Science program delivers something increasingly rare: genuinely affordable access to a tech-adjacent career. With just $10,673 in median debt—less than half the state average and a quarter of the national figure—students leave with minimal financial burden while still reaching $73,588 by year four. That 42% earnings jump is solid, and the ultra-low debt ratio of 0.21 means graduates keep most of what they earn during those crucial early career years.

The earnings tell a more nuanced story. Starting at $51,864 places graduates at the 60th percentile among New York programs, which is respectable but not exceptional—you're outperforming the state median but trailing schools like Syracuse and Stony Brook by significant margins. Nationally, the 31st percentile ranking suggests this program doesn't compete strongly with top-tier Information Science programs elsewhere. However, for a school that's majority low-income (55% Pell recipients) and costs far less than private alternatives, these outcomes represent genuine upward mobility.

The real calculation here is whether the earnings gap matters given the debt advantage. A Syracuse graduate might earn $20,000 more initially but could easily carry three times the debt. For families prioritizing financial security and a clear path into tech roles without gambling on prestige, Baruch offers a practical foundation. The strong earnings growth shows the degree opens doors that students can walk through successfully.