Information Science/Studies at Metropolitan State University
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Metropolitan State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Metropolitan State University graduates earn $64k, placing them in the 61th percentile of all information science/studies bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Information Science/Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (8 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan State University | $64,382 | $74,311 | $25,000 | 0.39 |
| Rasmussen University-Minnesota | $64,329 | — | $22,632 | 0.35 |
| Minnesota State University Moorhead | $49,625 | — | $13,773 | 0.28 |
| Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | $25,534 | $67,975 | $21,999 | 0.86 |
| National Median | $58,651 | — | $25,750 | 0.44 |
Other Information Science/Studies Programs in Minnesota
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Minnesota schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rasmussen University-Minnesota St. Cloud | $10,899 | $64,329 | $22,632 |
| Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead | $10,336 | $49,625 | $13,773 |
| Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Winona | $43,160 | $25,534 | $21,999 |
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.