Information Science/Studies at Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech's Information Science program starts graduates at $54,649—40% above the national median for associate programs in this field and at the 95th percentile nationally. The catch? That strong start doesn't hold. Earnings drop to $48,269 by year four, a 12% decline that suggests graduates may be landing entry-level IT roles but struggling to advance without additional credentials or experience.

The debt load of $13,475 is manageable relative to that first-year salary (just 0.25 times earnings), which matters for graduates who need immediate employment. However, the earnings trajectory raises questions about long-term value. While graduates start well ahead of peers at other schools, the downward trend could reflect employers expecting bachelor's degrees for higher-level positions, or it might indicate graduates are transitioning to different careers where this associate degree provides less leverage.

For parents, the calculation depends on their child's plans. If this is a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or a way to enter the workforce quickly while minimizing debt, the strong starting salary makes it worthwhile. But if this is the terminal degree, be prepared for potential career pivots or the need for additional training to maintain earning power beyond those first few years.