Information Science/Studies at Strayer University-Mississippi

Strayer University-Mississippi's Information Science program commands the highest debt load of any similar program nationally—yet graduates earn $71,167 in their first year, matching the national 75th percentile. That's $12,500 more than the typical Information Science graduate nationwide. The question for Mississippi families: is that earnings advantage worth borrowing twice the national average?

The debt picture requires serious consideration. At $53,250, this program sits in the 95th percentile for debt nationally, while most Information Science students elsewhere graduate owing just $25,750. With 83% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are starting from a less stable financial position. The 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't catastrophic—graduates earn enough to manage the loans—but there's limited room for error if career plans shift or the job market softens.

What matters most is whether your student actually pursues work in information science fields where these earnings hold up. The 11% earnings growth to year four suggests graduates are gaining traction in their careers, and strong first-year salaries indicate employers value this degree. But at this debt level, switching careers or taking time off becomes significantly more difficult than it would for the typical Information Science graduate. This program can work, but only if your student is committed to the field and prepared to manage substantial loan payments immediately after graduation.