Information Science/Studies at South University-Austin
Bachelor's Degree
southuniversity.edu/austin#location=Austin, TXAnalysis
South University-Austin's Information Science program carries debt more than double the state average—$52,173 versus $26,375 for Texas schools—while first-year earnings trail behind at just $44,682. That's a concerning starting point, particularly when the program ranks in only the 10th percentile nationally and 25th percentile among Texas schools. For context, UT Arlington graduates from the same program earn $57,756 right out of the gate, with far less debt.
The bright spot here is earnings growth: graduates see a 36% jump to $60,708 by year four, which begins to close the gap with better-performing programs. But even with that improvement, you're still looking at debt that exceeds an entire year's starting salary. The high Pell Grant percentage (54%) suggests many students here need to borrow heavily, which compounds the problem.
Compare this to Texas Tech, where graduates earn more from day one with half the debt load. Unless there are compelling reasons tied to location or program flexibility, families should seriously weigh whether the debt burden here makes sense when stronger Texas options exist at similar or lower cost.
Where South University-Austin Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all information science/studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How South University-Austin 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| South University-Austin | $44,682 | $60,708 | +36% |
| Boston College | $80,731 | $106,214 | +32% |
| Strayer University-Texas | $71,167 | $78,793 | +11% |
| Texas Tech University | $55,081 | $77,185 | +40% |
| The University of Texas at Arlington | $57,756 | $75,393 | +31% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Information Science/Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 South University-AustinRound Rock | $18,238 | $44,682 | $60,708 | $52,173 | 1.17 |
 Strayer University-TexasFarmers Branch | $13,920 | $71,167 | $78,793 | $53,250 | 0.75 |
 The University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington | $11,728 | $57,756 | $75,393 | $20,205 | 0.35 |
 Texas Tech UniversityLubbock | $11,852 | $55,081 | $77,185 | $25,000 | 0.45 |
 University of North TexasDenton | $11,164 | $52,449 | — | $26,375 | 0.50 |
| 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 South University-Austin, approximately 54% 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 88 graduates with reported earnings and 112 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.