Analysis
Information science programs in Illinois cluster tightly around $60,000 in first-year earnings, and Saint Xavier appears positioned right in that middle tier—comparable to DePaul and UIC based on state patterns, though well below Northwestern's tech-industry outcomes. With more than half of Saint Xavier students receiving Pell grants, accessibility matters here, and the estimated $25,000 debt load translates to manageable monthly payments of roughly $280 on a ten-year plan against that $60,000 salary.
The 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio based on comparable Illinois programs sits comfortably in affordable territory, particularly for information science where skills remain in demand across industries. Similar programs typically produce outcomes that allow graduates to handle their debt burden without financial strain, though it's worth noting the wide earning variation across Illinois schools—from $58,000 to over $100,000—suggests program reputation and network connections significantly impact outcomes.
For families evaluating Saint Xavier specifically, the key unknown is whether this program delivers closer to the solid middle-tier results (DePaul, UIC) or trails below. The estimated figures suggest reasonable value if your student needs the access and support Saint Xavier provides, but connecting with recent graduates directly would help clarify whether this particular program's outcomes justify the investment over lower-cost alternatives like community college transfers to state schools.
Where Saint Xavier University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all information science/studies bachelors's programs nationally
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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,840 | $60,468* | — | $24,950* | — | |
| $65,997 | $102,998* | — | $12,000* | 0.12 | |
| $13,546 | $64,329* | — | $22,632* | 0.35 | |
| $44,460 | $60,468* | $71,865 | $25,916* | 0.43 | |
| $14,338 | $58,651* | $74,356 | $14,538* | 0.25 | |
| $39,680 | $58,014* | — | $24,950* | 0.43 | |
| National Median | — | $58,651* | — | $25,750* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with information science/studies graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Computer Occupations, All Other
Web Administrators
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
Document Management Specialists
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 Saint Xavier University, approximately 56% 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 median of 5 similar programs in IL. Actual outcomes may vary.