Analysis
Stony Brook's Information Science program launches graduates into $68,000 salaries that jump to nearly $89,000 within four years—earnings that place it in the 80th percentile among New York programs and well above both state ($51,363) and national ($58,651) medians. For a SUNY school charging significantly less tuition than private competitors, this performance stands out: graduates earn more than those from Syracuse or Pace while carrying debt about $6,000 below the national average for this major.
The debt picture reinforces the value proposition. At $19,750, graduates face monthly loan payments around $220—manageable on a $68,000 starting salary where the debt ratio sits at a comfortable 0.29. That 31% earnings growth trajectory over four years suggests graduates are developing in-demand skills that command increasing market value, likely in data analytics, user experience, or information architecture roles concentrated in New York's tech sector.
For families seeking strong tech-adjacent careers without the financial burden of private university tuition, this program delivers. The combination of above-average starting salaries, rapid earnings growth, and below-average debt makes it one of New York's more compelling information science options—particularly for students who qualify for in-state tuition.
Where Stony Brook University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all information science/studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Stony Brook 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stony Brook University | $68,007 | $88,954 | +31% |
| Syracuse University | $73,033 | $84,923 | +16% |
| CUNY Bernard M Baruch College | $51,864 | $73,588 | +42% |
| CUNY Lehman College | $50,133 | $67,295 | +34% |
| SUNY Polytechnic Institute | $42,604 | $66,307 | +56% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Information Science/Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (34 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook | $10,560 | $68,007 | $88,954 | $19,750 | 0.29 |
 Excelsior UniversityAlbany | — | $88,713 | — | $16,667 | 0.19 |
 CUNY Graduate School and University CenterNew York | $7,410 | $73,937 | — | $24,950 | 0.34 |
 Syracuse UniversitySyracuse | $63,061 | $73,033 | $84,923 | $26,694 | 0.37 |
 SUNY Old WestburyOld Westbury | $8,379 | $56,333 | — | — | — |
 Pace UniversityNew York | $51,424 | $52,116 | — | — | — |
| 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 Stony Brook University, approximately 38% 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 64 graduates with reported earnings and 60 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.