Analysis
Texas Lutheran's information science program sits right at the middle of what comparable Texas programs typically produce—an estimated $55,000 in first-year earnings. That's slightly below the $58,651 national median for this degree, but perfectly aligned with the state median. The estimated $26,694 in debt translates to a manageable 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly six months' salary.
The challenge here is uncertainty. With only five Texas programs reporting data (out of 18 total), and TLU's figures estimated from those peers, parents are making decisions with limited visibility into this specific program's outcomes. The school's 95% admission rate and modest test scores suggest it serves a different student population than flagship universities, which could mean actual outcomes vary considerably from these state-level estimates. Information science programs in Texas show a wide range—from $44,682 to over $71,000 first year out—so where TLU's graduates actually land matters tremendously.
If your child is considering this program, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value, but recognize you're betting on TLU tracking close to the state median rather than toward the lower end. The debt load appears conservative enough to absorb some downside risk, but direct conversations with current students and recent graduates would be worth far more than these peer-program projections.
Where Texas Lutheran University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all information science/studies bachelors's programs nationally
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $34,920 | $55,081* | — | $26,694* | — | |
| $13,920 | $71,167* | $78,793 | $53,250* | 0.75 | |
| $11,728 | $57,756* | $75,393 | $20,205* | 0.35 | |
| $11,852 | $55,081* | $77,185 | $25,000* | 0.45 | |
| $11,164 | $52,449* | — | $26,375* | 0.50 | |
| $18,238 | $44,682* | $60,708 | $52,173* | 1.17 | |
| 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 Texas Lutheran 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 5 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.