Information Science/Studies at Dakota State University

Dakota State University's Information Science program produces graduates earning $63,636 right out of college—solid earnings that place it in the 60th percentile nationally and keep pace with steady growth to $70,164 by year four. The debt load of $29,318 translates to a manageable 0.46 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates earn more than twice what they owe. For a specialized tech program at South Dakota's public tech university, these numbers suggest graduates are finding relevant employment without taking on crushing debt.

The challenge here is sample size: with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, we're looking at a small snapshot that may not represent the full picture. Since Dakota State is the only school in South Dakota offering this specific bachelor's degree, there's no in-state competition for comparison, but the national benchmarks show this program performing above the median. The 98% admission rate means access isn't a barrier for most students.

For families considering this program, the fundamentals look sound—reasonable debt paired with above-average tech sector earnings—but the limited data means you should connect with recent graduates directly to understand their career paths. If your student is drawn to information science and wants to stay in the region, Dakota State offers a viable pathway without the debt burden that often accompanies specialized tech degrees.