Information Science/Studies at Long Island University

Long Island University's Information Science program estimates first-year earnings around $51,363—right at the state median but trailing the national benchmark by about $7,000. That gap matters when you consider this field's wide earnings spread in New York, where graduates from top programs like Excelsior and Syracuse start in the $70,000-$90,000 range. The estimated debt load of $26,694 isn't alarming on its own (slightly above the national median), but paired with earnings at the lower end of the state spectrum, it creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 that's workable rather than comfortable.

What's concerning is the context: similar programs across New York suggest that graduates from stronger-branded schools—including public options like Stony Brook—consistently command much higher starting salaries in this field. Information Science should open doors in tech-adjacent roles, but location and institutional reputation clearly matter in this market. The school's 90% acceptance rate and modest academic profile suggest it may not provide the same networking or recruiting advantages that drive those higher outcomes.

If your child is set on Information Science at LIU, understand you're likely looking at a starting salary that covers the debt but doesn't leave much margin for error. Unless they have specific connections to New York employers who recruit from LIU, exploring higher-performing SUNY options or programs with demonstrated placement strength would hedge against starting your career at the state's earnings floor.