Information Science/Studies at Minnesota State University Moorhead
Bachelor's Degree
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
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 Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates compare to all programs nationally
Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates earn $50k, placing them in the 25th percentile of all information science/studies bachelors programs nationally.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota State University Moorhead | $49,625 | — | $13,773 | 0.28 |
| Metropolitan State University | $64,382 | $74,311 | $25,000 | 0.39 |
| Rasmussen University-Minnesota | $64,329 | — | $22,632 | 0.35 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan State University Saint Paul | $9,780 | $64,382 | $25,000 |
| Rasmussen University-Minnesota St. Cloud | $10,899 | $64,329 | $22,632 |
| 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 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.