Information Science/Studies (Bachelor's Degree) at Drexel University

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

Earnings Distribution

How Drexel University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Drexel University	$78,755	$93,411	+19%
Albright College	$80,329	$80,037	-0%
Strayer University-Pennsylvania	$71,167	$78,793	+11%
University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown	$59,951	$74,870	+25%
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus	$59,951	$74,870	+25%

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

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

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia	$60,663	$78,755	$93,411	$29,125	0.37
Albright CollegeReading	$28,794	$80,329	$80,037	$36,196	0.45
Strayer University-PennsylvaniaTrevose	$13,920	$71,167	$78,793	$53,250	0.75
Robert Morris UniversityMoon Township	$34,940	$62,375	—	$27,000	0.43
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh	$21,524	$59,951	$74,870	$27,000	0.45
University of Pittsburgh-JohnstownJohnstown	$14,646	$59,951	$74,870	$27,000	0.45
National Median	—	$58,651	—	$25,750	0.44

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 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.