Information Science/Studies at Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern's Information Science program shows exactly why in-state comparisons matter more than national rankings suggest. While it sits at just the 33rd percentile nationally, it outperforms the Georgia median by $20,000 after four years—a significant premium over most in-state alternatives. With $29,000 in debt and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55, graduates face manageable loan payments from day one.

The trajectory here is particularly compelling: earnings jump 36% from year one to year four, reaching $71,263. That puts graduates roughly even with the national 75th percentile by their fourth year out, despite a slower start. Among Georgia's 11 programs, only Strayer and Kennesaw State consistently outperform Georgia Southern, and both likely come with higher sticker prices or different student demographics.

For Georgia families weighing in-state tuition costs against outcomes, this program delivers solid middle-class earnings with debt levels that won't derail other financial goals. The 90% admission rate means access isn't a barrier, and the strong earnings growth suggests the degree opens doors that widen over time. It's not the flashiest option, but it's a practical path to a stable information technology career at a reasonable cost.