Location: Keyser, WV•In-State Tuition: $5,040•Out-of-State Tuition: $12,624
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$38,906
Est. from national median (11 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$13,125
Est. from national median (11 programs)

Analysis

A debt load near $13,000 for an associate's degree in information science is relatively modest, particularly when the expected starting salary hovers around $39,000. Based on comparable programs nationally, graduates would be borrowing about a third of their first-year earnings—a manageable ratio that suggests this program could deliver reasonable value. With 39% of Potomac State students receiving Pell grants, many families here are making careful calculations about college costs, and an associate's degree that keeps debt contained while providing technical skills has clear appeal.

The challenge is that information science jobs vary dramatically in terms of requirements and pay. Some employers are looking for bachelor's degree holders or specific certifications, while others value hands-on technical skills regardless of credential level. Programs similar to this one nationally produce median earnings just under $39,000, but the 75th percentile jumps to $44,470—suggesting that success depends heavily on landing the right position or continuing education. West Virginia's tech job market is smaller than many states', which could limit local opportunities but also means less competition for available positions.

For families weighing this investment, the estimated debt burden shouldn't be prohibitive, but the earnings ceiling for an associate's degree in this field may be. If your student plans to transfer to complete a bachelor's or has a specific employer lined up, this could be a cost-effective starting point. If they're planning to enter the workforce immediately after two years, investigate what local employers actually require for IT positions.

Where Potomac State College of West Virginia University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all information science/studies associates's programs nationally

Potomac State College of West Virginia University (estimated ±10%)Other information science/studies programs

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

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Information Science/Studies associates's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Potomac State College of West Virginia UniversityKeyser$5,040$38,906*—$13,125*—
Ivy Tech Community CollegeIndianapolis$4,912$54,649*$48,269$13,475*0.25
University of Massachusetts-LowellLowell$16,570$52,706*—$17,355*0.33
Cuyahoga Community College DistrictCleveland$3,736$45,238*$54,104$17,629*0.39
Clayton State UniversityMorrow$5,068$43,702*—$35,925*0.82
ITI Technical CollegeBaton Rouge$11,711$39,046*—$19,110*0.49
National Median—$38,906*—$13,300*0.34
* Estimated from similar programs

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 Potomac State College of West Virginia University, approximately 39% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 11 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.