Information Science/Studies at Strayer University-Tennessee

Strayer's Information Science program in Tennessee produces strong earnings—$71,167 in year one, climbing to nearly $79,000 by year four—but those outcomes come at a steep price. The debt load of $53,250 is more than double the national median for this field, ranking in the 95th percentile (meaning 95% of comparable programs leave students with less debt). While the earnings place graduates in the 75th percentile nationally, Tennessee only has two schools offering this program, so state-level comparisons offer limited insight.

The program primarily serves Pell-eligible students (86%), and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75 means graduates face about nine months of their first-year salary in loans—manageable but not ideal. The 11% earnings growth from year one to four suggests stable career progression, which helps offset the initial debt burden over time. For a student who needs the flexibility of Strayer's format and can't access cheaper alternatives, the solid earning potential makes the debt serviceable.

The value equation here depends entirely on alternatives. If your child can access a similar program at a public university in Tennessee or elsewhere with lower tuition, that's almost certainly the better financial choice. But if Strayer's accessibility or scheduling makes it the only viable path to completing a degree, the outcomes justify enrollment—just be prepared for above-average loan payments in those first few years after graduation.