Location: Moorhead, MN•In-State Tuition: $10,336•Admission Rate: 53%•Avg SAT: 1090
Median Earnings (1yr)
$49,625
25th percentile
40th percentile in Minnesota
Median Debt
$13,773
47% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.28 ManageableSample: 20 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Minnesota State University Moorhead's Information Science program stands out for one compelling reason: graduates carry roughly half the debt of typical Minnesota IS students ($13,773 versus $22,316 statewide). That's genuinely exceptional—landing in the 95th percentile nationally for low debt loads. For families worried about crushing student loans, this program delivers significant relief.

The tradeoff shows in the earnings figures. First-year graduates earn around $49,625, which trails both the state median ($56,977) and national benchmark ($58,651) by about $7,000-9,000. While that gap matters, context helps: the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 means graduates owe roughly three months of salary—a manageable burden that leaves room for savings, housing costs, and other priorities. Compare that to programs where students owe 18+ months of earnings. Meanwhile, within Minnesota, this program sits near the middle of the pack (40th percentile), well behind Metropolitan State's $64,382 but far ahead of Saint Mary's concerning $25,534.

The caveat: we're working with a small sample size here, so individual outcomes could vary more than usual. If your child can keep borrowing minimal and you're not chasing top-tier tech salaries, this represents a financially sensible path into information science. The low debt provides real breathing room early in a career, even if the initial paycheck isn't flashy.

Where Minnesota State University Moorhead Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all information science/studies bachelors's programs nationally

Minnesota State University MoorheadOther information science/studies programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates compare to all programs nationally

Minnesota State University Moorhead earns $50k — 25th percentile among information science/studies bachelors programs.

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Minnesota State University MoorheadMoorhead$10,336$49,625—$13,7730.28
Metropolitan State UniversitySaint Paul$9,780$64,382$74,311$25,0000.39
Rasmussen University-MinnesotaSt. Cloud$10,899$64,329—$22,6320.35
Saint Mary's University of MinnesotaWinona$43,160$25,534$67,975$21,9990.86
National Median—$58,651—$25,7500.44

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with information science/studies graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Computer Occupations, All Other

All computer occupations not listed separately.

Web Administrators

Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications.

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.

Document Management Specialists

Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents.

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 Minnesota State University Moorhead, approximately 27% 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 20 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.