Information Science/Studies at Northern Kentucky University

Northern Kentucky University's Information Science program starts graduates at just $31,390—ranking in the bottom 5% nationally and placing last among Kentucky's three programs in this field. That's $27,000 below the national median and $12,000 behind the state median. The University of Kentucky's graduates earn 57% more right out of the gate, and even Murray State starts its students at $43,178.

The saving grace here is dramatic earnings growth: graduates see a 69% jump to nearly $53,000 by year four, which catches them up to the state median. But that's still cold comfort for parents writing $27,000 in debt checks while their child struggles through lean early years. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.86 means your graduate will owe nearly a year's salary, which will make those first few years particularly tight financially.

The pattern suggests this program may serve students heading into roles that reward experience over credentials—perhaps starting in help desk or support positions before moving into better-paying IT roles. But if your child has options at UK or even Murray State, those programs offer substantially better starting positions without the financially precarious launch period. The high acceptance rate and modest test scores indicate NKU casts a wide net, which may contribute to the weaker initial outcomes.