Analysis
Metropolitan State's Information Science program offers something increasingly rare: above-average outcomes at an institution serving a high proportion of working adults and first-generation students. With first-year earnings of $64,382 and just $25,000 in median debt, graduates enter the workforce earning more than most Minnesota peers while keeping borrowing manageable. The 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can reasonably pay off loans within a year or two of full-time work.
What makes this particularly noteworthy is the trajectory. Earnings climb 15% to $74,311 by year four, suggesting graduates build marketable skills that translate into career progression. Among Minnesota's eight Information Science programs, this ranks solidly in the 60th percentile—tied for second-highest first-year earnings in the state. The high admission rate and modest SAT scores shouldn't dissuade you; this is an institution designed for students balancing work and school, and the outcomes suggest they've figured out how to prepare graduates for the job market.
The moderate sample size means individual results will vary, but the fundamentals here are sound: reasonable debt, strong initial earnings, and encouraging growth. For a student seeking a practical tech-adjacent degree without gambling on huge debt loads, this program delivers what it promises.
Where Metropolitan State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all information science/studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Metropolitan State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan State University | $64,382 | $74,311 | +15% |
| Boston College | $80,731 | $106,214 | +32% |
| Florida Institute of Technology | $59,368 | $101,605 | +71% |
| Florida Institute of Technology-Online | $59,368 | $101,605 | +71% |
| Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | $25,534 | $67,975 | +166% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Information Science/Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Metropolitan State UniversitySaint Paul | $9,780 | $64,382 | $74,311 | $25,000 | 0.39 |
 Rasmussen University-MinnesotaSt. Cloud | $10,899 | $64,329 | — | $22,632 | 0.35 |
 Minnesota State University MoorheadMoorhead | $10,336 | $49,625 | — | $13,773 | 0.28 |
 Saint Mary's University of MinnesotaWinona | $43,160 | $25,534 | $67,975 | $21,999 | 0.86 |
| 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 Metropolitan State University, approximately 44% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 92 graduates with reported earnings and 87 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.