Analysis
Nationally, Information Science bachelor's programs show median earnings around $58,651 in the first year—a figure that would translate to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 based on Gonzaga's typical debt load of $26,694 for bachelor's graduates. That's a manageable starting point: graduates would be carrying debt equal to about 46% of their first-year salary, well within the range where monthly payments shouldn't overwhelm entry-level paychecks in a field known for steady corporate demand.
What complicates the picture is that we're working entirely from estimates here—both the earnings and debt figures are derived from peer programs nationally since Gonzaga's Information Science cohorts are too small for the Department of Education to report. The actual outcomes could vary significantly based on how Gonzaga positions this program (is it tech-focused database management or library science?) and where graduates land jobs. Spokane's tech sector is modest compared to Seattle's, which matters for local opportunities, though information science skills travel well to remote positions.
For parents weighing this investment, the key question is whether Gonzaga's small program size reflects limited institutional commitment or intentional specialization. If your student is specifically drawn to this program at Gonzaga, investigate what happens to recent graduates—are they getting jobs in their field, and where? The estimated numbers suggest workable economics, but you're essentially betting on a program without a proven track record in the federal data.
Where Gonzaga University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all information science/studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Information Science/Studies bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $53,500 | $58,651* | — | $26,694* | — | |
| $65,997 | $102,998* | — | $12,000* | 0.12 | |
| $49,600 | $98,551* | — | $24,625* | 0.25 | |
| — | $88,713* | — | $16,667* | 0.19 | |
| $17,228 | $88,515* | $99,659 | $20,875* | 0.24 | |
| $67,680 | $80,731* | $106,214 | $17,500* | 0.22 | |
| 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 Gonzaga University, approximately 13% 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 129 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.