Information Science/Studies at Syracuse University

Syracuse University's Information Science program commands a significant premium over other New York options, with first-year earnings of $73,033—42% above the state median and landing graduates in the 80th percentile among NY schools. Nationally, this ranks in the 93rd percentile, placing it firmly among elite programs. The $84,923 four-year earnings figure puts Syracuse just behind Excelsior but ahead of Stony Brook, suggesting these graduates compete effectively for the same roles as SUNY's flagship programs while paying private tuition.

The $26,694 debt load sits slightly above the national median but well below what many private universities extract. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37, graduates owe roughly 4.4 months of their starting salary—manageable by most standards. The 16% earnings growth over four years indicates stable career progression, and the robust sample size (100+ graduates) means these aren't outlier results.

The real question is whether Syracuse's outcomes justify its private school price tag compared to SUNY alternatives. Stony Brook graduates earn $68,007 with likely lower debt burdens. That $5,000 first-year earnings advantage from Syracuse narrows the gap, but you'd need to calculate the full four-year cost differential. If your child has strong in-state public options, this becomes a lifestyle and campus culture decision rather than a pure ROI calculation—the career outcomes are solid either way.