Median Earnings (1yr)
$78,755
95th percentile (80th in PA)
Median Debt
$29,125
13% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.37
Manageable
Sample Size
59
Adequate data

Analysis

Drexel's Information Science program stands out as one of the strongest in Pennsylvania, with first-year earnings of $78,755 placing it in the 95th percentile nationally and second among PA schools. This is particularly impressive given Drexel's 78% admission rate—you're looking at elite-level outcomes without needing elite-level credentials to get in. The $29,125 in median debt translates to just 37% of first-year earnings, well below the threshold that typically causes repayment stress.

The earnings trajectory reinforces the program's strength: graduates see nearly 20% income growth by year four, reaching $93,411. Among Pennsylvania's 19 Information Science programs, this performance sits in the 80th percentile, meaningfully above the state median of $61,163. For context, Drexel trails only Albright College in the state, and it outperforms larger competitors like University of Pittsburgh by nearly $20,000 in first-year earnings. This likely reflects Drexel's co-op program, which gives students substantial work experience before graduation and stronger employer connections in Philadelphia's tech sector.

For families weighing options, this represents one of the clearest green lights you'll see: top-5% national outcomes, manageable debt, and a program that delivers immediately in the job market. The moderate sample size means individual results will vary, but the fundamentals here are exceptionally strong for an accessible admissions profile.

Where Drexel University Stands

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

Drexel UniversityOther information science/studies programs

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 Drexel University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Drexel University graduates earn $79k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all information science/studies bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Information Science/Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (19 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Drexel University$78,755$93,411$29,1250.37
Albright College$80,329$80,037$36,1960.45
Strayer University-Pennsylvania$71,167$78,793$53,2500.75
Robert Morris University$62,375$27,0000.43
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus$59,951$74,870$27,0000.45
University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown$59,951$74,870$27,0000.45
National Median$58,651$25,7500.44

Other Information Science/Studies Programs in Pennsylvania

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Albright College
Reading
$28,794$80,329$36,196
Strayer University-Pennsylvania
Trevose
$13,920$71,167$53,250
Robert Morris University
Moon Township
$34,940$62,375$27,000
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh
$21,524$59,951$27,000
University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown
Johnstown
$14,646$59,951$27,000

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 Drexel University, approximately 25% 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 59 graduates with reported earnings and 59 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.