Analysis
A debt load of roughly $27,000 against estimated first-year earnings near $51,000 seems reasonable on paper, but this Information Science degree from Fordham faces stiff competition. Based on comparable programs across New York, these earnings figures sit at the state median—unremarkable in a field where top programs routinely launch graduates into $70,000+ starting salaries. Excelsior grads average $88,000, while Syracuse and Stony Brook alumni start above $73,000, suggesting significant variation in outcomes that a Fordham family should understand before committing.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 indicates manageable repayment, but context matters. You're potentially paying private university tuition for public university outcomes. Similar programs nationally produce a median debt of $25,750, so Fordham's estimate isn't out of line, but families should verify whether they're receiving sufficient financial aid to stay near this figure. At a school where only 21% receive Pell grants, many students may be taking on considerably more debt than this estimate suggests.
The clearest concern is opportunity cost. If these earnings estimates hold true, Fordham's Information Science program delivers middle-of-the-pack results in a state with genuinely strong alternatives. Unless Fordham offers specific career connections or specializations your child values—or unless financial aid brings net cost below the sticker price—peer programs with actual reported outcomes exceeding $70,000 deserve serious consideration.
Where Fordham University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all information science/studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Information Science/Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (34 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $61,992 | $51,363* | — | $26,694* | — | |
| — | $88,713* | — | $16,667* | 0.19 | |
| $7,410 | $73,937* | — | $24,950* | 0.34 | |
| $63,061 | $73,033* | $84,923 | $26,694* | 0.37 | |
| $10,560 | $68,007* | $88,954 | $19,750* | 0.29 | |
| $8,379 | $56,333* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $58,651* | — | $25,750* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with information science/studies graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Computer Occupations, All Other
Web Administrators
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
Document Management Specialists
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 Fordham University, approximately 21% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 14 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.