Information Science/Studies at Fairmont State University

Fairmont State's Information Science program falls well below what similar programs typically deliver in West Virginia. While peer programs in the state produce median first-year earnings around $71,167, this program's estimated $58,651—based on national benchmarks—suggests graduates may face a significant earnings gap compared to in-state alternatives. That's particularly concerning given West Virginia's already-constrained tech job market.

The estimated $25,000 in debt seems manageable against those earnings, yielding a debt-to-income ratio of 0.43. But the comparison matters more than the ratio: similar programs in West Virginia typically saddle graduates with roughly double this debt ($53,250 median), yet produce substantially higher earnings. That suggests either Fairmont State attracts students with less borrowing need, or its lower costs offset the earnings disadvantage—though the school's 99% admission rate and below-average SAT scores hint the program may draw from a different applicant pool than higher-performing state competitors.

The practical question is whether settling for potentially $12,500 less in first-year earnings makes sense, even with lower debt. Over a career, that earnings gap compounds significantly. If your student has options at other West Virginia schools with stronger outcomes, those deserve serious consideration despite potentially higher upfront costs.