Analysis
Peer programs in information science suggest first-year earnings around $39,000—right at the national median—with typical debt loads near $13,125. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 sits in reasonable territory, meaning graduates from comparable programs could expect to carry debt equal to about a third of their first year's income. For context, similar associate programs in New York show a range from roughly $31,000 to $39,000 in starting pay, so these estimates align with what the state's information science market typically produces.
The challenge here is that without actual graduate outcomes from Genesee specifically, you're making decisions based on what happens at peer institutions. Similar programs nationally carry median debt slightly higher at $13,300, while New York programs tend to run lower at about $10,250. If Genesee's actual costs track closer to the state pattern, the investment looks more favorable; if they're higher, the math tightens quickly.
For an associate degree that gets graduates working faster than a four-year program, these estimated numbers suggest manageable financial risk—but only if the earnings materialize as expected and your student lands the type of role these figures represent. Before committing, pin down Genesee's actual costs and compare them to that $13,125 estimate, since the gap between estimated and real debt will determine whether this gamble pays off.
Where Genesee Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all information science/studies associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Information Science/Studies associates's programs at peer institutions in New York (27 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,800 | $38,906* | — | $13,125* | — | |
| $6,694 | $38,906* | $54,608 | $8,942* | 0.23 | |
| $6,042 | $31,342* | — | $11,555* | 0.37 | |
| National Median | — | $38,906* | — | $13,300* | 0.34 |
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 Genesee Community College, approximately 22% 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 national median of 11 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.