Information Science/Studies at Drexel University
Bachelor's Degree
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
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drexel University | $78,755 | $93,411 | $29,125 | 0.37 |
| Albright College | $80,329 | $80,037 | $36,196 | 0.45 |
| Strayer University-Pennsylvania | $71,167 | $78,793 | $53,250 | 0.75 |
| Robert Morris University | $62,375 | — | $27,000 | 0.43 |
| University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | $59,951 | $74,870 | $27,000 | 0.45 |
| University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown | $59,951 | $74,870 | $27,000 | 0.45 |
| National Median | $58,651 | — | $25,750 | 0.44 |
Other Information Science/Studies Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (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.