Information Science/Studies at National University

National University's Information Science bachelor's suggests modest first-year outcomes compared to California's stronger tech market. While similar programs nationally produce median earnings around $58,651, California's information science graduates typically earn $62,994—about $4,300 more. That gap matters in San Diego's expensive housing market, where even tech-adjacent salaries can feel stretched thin.

The estimated debt of $26,694 translates to a 0.46 ratio against first-year earnings, which is manageable territory—monthly payments would consume roughly 5% of gross income under standard repayment. However, this assumes landing at the median. California's range for this field is wide: UC Riverside information science grads earn over $76,000 while Cal State Fullerton's earn under $50,000, suggesting employer perception and network access vary significantly by institution. National University's online-heavy model may not carry the same recruiting weight as campus-based programs in a field where internships and local tech connections often drive initial placement.

For families weighing this investment, the core question is whether National University's flexibility justifies potentially starting below the California median for this field. If your student needs the schedule accommodation this school provides, the debt burden won't be crushing. But if they can access a UC or CSU program with stronger employer pipelines, those alternatives typically produce better earning trajectories in California's competitive information science market.