Analysis
Salisbury University's Information Science program starts graduates at $61,290—slightly above the national median but trailing Maryland's in-state average by about $1,000. That 40th percentile ranking among Maryland programs matters: you're not getting flagship University of Maryland-College Park outcomes, but you're also paying significantly less in tuition as an in-state student at a regional public university with an 89% acceptance rate.
The $23,250 debt load is reasonable, translating to a manageable 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio that beats many tech-adjacent fields. More encouraging is the 24% earnings growth over four years, pushing graduates to $76,000 by year four—well above both state and national medians at that point. This suggests the degree opens doors to career advancement rather than hitting an early ceiling.
The tradeoff is clear: Salisbury won't place you at the top of Maryland's information science market out of the gate, but it delivers solid middle-class earnings with below-average debt. For Maryland families seeking an accessible path into tech-related careers without flagship competition or private school price tags, this represents dependable value. Just understand you're starting in the middle of the pack regionally, not leading it.
Where Salisbury University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all information science/studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Salisbury University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salisbury University | $61,290 | $75,999 | +24% |
| University of Maryland-College Park | $70,344 | $95,042 | +35% |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | $72,140 | $85,655 | +19% |
| University of Maryland-Baltimore County | $63,334 | $82,936 | +31% |
| Strayer University-Maryland | $71,167 | $78,793 | +11% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Information Science/Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,638 | $61,290 | $75,999 | $23,250 | 0.38 | |
| $7,992 | $72,140 | $85,655 | $20,806 | 0.29 | |
| $13,920 | $71,167 | $78,793 | $53,250 | 0.75 | |
| $11,505 | $70,344 | $95,042 | $20,180 | 0.29 | |
| $12,952 | $63,334 | $82,936 | $20,633 | 0.33 | |
| $8,118 | $55,711 | — | $26,750 | 0.48 | |
| 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 Salisbury University, approximately 24% 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 74 graduates with reported earnings and 70 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.