Location: Evanston, IL•In-State Tuition: $65,997•Admission Rate: 7%•Avg SAT: 1526
2026 ROI Award Winner
#92 Overall#4 in Illinois
Median Earnings (1yr)
$102,998
95th percentile
Median Debt
$12,000
53% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.12 ManageableSample: 44 graduates

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

Northwestern UniversityOther information science/studies programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How Northwestern University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Northwestern University earns $103k — 95th percentile among information science/studies bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Information Science/Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (15 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Northwestern UniversityEvanston$65,997$102,998—$12,0000.12
Rasmussen University-IllinoisRockford$13,546$64,329—$22,6320.35
DePaul UniversityChicago$44,460$60,468$71,865$25,9160.43
University of Illinois ChicagoChicago$14,338$58,651$74,356$14,5380.25
Bradley UniversityPeoria$39,680$58,014—$24,9500.43
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 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.