Information Science/Studies at Russell Sage College

Russell Sage's information science program faces a significant competitive disadvantage in New York's crowded field. While estimated first-year earnings of $51,363 align with the state median, they lag far behind what top programs deliver—Syracuse and Stony Brook graduates start above $68,000, and even SUNY Old Westbury produces better immediate outcomes. By year four, the $56,259 earnings still haven't closed the gap, raising questions about whether this program provides the career momentum students need in a tech-adjacent field where early trajectory matters.

The estimated debt of $26,694 pushes above both state and national medians for this credential, creating a 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio that isn't alarming on its own but looks less appealing when peer programs in New York produce stronger earning potential with similar or lower borrowing. With 43% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on this degree to deliver clear economic returns—but based on what similar programs typically produce, graduates may find themselves competing for the same entry-level positions as peers who invested less or earned credentials from programs with stronger employer connections.

The four-year earnings figure does show modest growth, suggesting the field itself offers stability. However, parents should recognize they're making this investment based entirely on estimates from peer programs, not actual Russell Sage outcomes. If your child is comparing offers, look closely at whether competing schools report their own data—that transparency often signals stronger placement pipelines.