Information Science/Studies at Radford University

Information Science programs in Virginia produce a wide earnings spread, from James Madison's $80,000+ to South University's mid-$40s—and Radford's estimated $46,446 first-year figure puts this program near the bottom of that range. Based on comparable programs, this trails both the Virginia median ($58,550) and the national median ($58,651) by roughly $12,000 annually, suggesting graduates start at a significant disadvantage compared to peer institutions.

The estimated debt load of $24,364—derived from similar Virginia programs—looks manageable relative to starting pay, with a 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio. However, that calculation assumes the borrowed amount is accurate for Radford specifically, and it doesn't offset the core challenge: when similar programs elsewhere produce 20-30% higher starting salaries, the lifetime earnings gap compounds quickly. The strong 53% earnings growth to $71,208 by year four helps narrow the gap but doesn't fully close it compared to programs that start stronger.

For parents, the question is whether Radford's 91% admission rate and lower competitive pressure justify accepting earnings that rank in the bottom quarter of Virginia's Information Science programs. The debt appears survivable, but your graduate enters the workforce earning less than peers from JMU or VCU—and in tech-adjacent fields, that initial placement often determines trajectory. If Radford is the affordable in-state option, the numbers work. If you're comparing costs across Virginia universities, understand you're likely trading $10,000-15,000 in annual starting salary.