Information Science/Studies at Northwestern University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Northwestern's Information Science program graduates earn nearly twice the national median for this degree—$103,000 versus $58,651—while carrying roughly half the typical debt load. This places graduates at the 95th percentile for earnings both nationally and within Illinois, outperforming even DePaul and UIC by substantial margins. The $12,000 debt figure is notably low for a private university of Northwestern's caliber, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.12—meaning graduates earn back their entire debt burden in about six weeks.
The 7% admission rate signals this isn't an accessible option for most students, but for families who get in, the return on investment is exceptional. These graduates enter the workforce earning more than many information science professionals make years into their careers at other schools. The combination of Northwestern's reputation, its Chicago-area network, and what appears to be a program closely aligned with high-paying tech and consulting roles creates unusual leverage in the job market.
For families weighing the cost of Northwestern against state schools, this data makes a compelling case. While the sticker price is higher, graduates leave with manageable debt and immediate earning power that justifies the investment—especially compared to programs where students borrow more and earn significantly less.
Where Northwestern 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 Northwestern University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Northwestern University graduates earn $103k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all information science/studies bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Information Science/Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (15 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University | $102,998 | — | $12,000 | 0.12 |
| Rasmussen University-Illinois | $64,329 | — | $22,632 | 0.35 |
| DePaul University | $60,468 | $71,865 | $25,916 | 0.43 |
| University of Illinois Chicago | $58,651 | $74,356 | $14,538 | 0.25 |
| Bradley University | $58,014 | — | $24,950 | 0.43 |
| National Median | $58,651 | — | $25,750 | 0.44 |
Other Information Science/Studies Programs in Illinois
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rasmussen University-Illinois Rockford | $13,546 | $64,329 | $22,632 |
| DePaul University Chicago | $44,460 | $60,468 | $25,916 |
| University of Illinois Chicago Chicago | $14,338 | $58,651 | $14,538 |
| Bradley University Peoria | $39,680 | $58,014 | $24,950 |
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 Northwestern University, approximately 19% 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 44 graduates with reported earnings and 31 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.