Analysis
Texas Tech's Information Science program starts graduates at a slightly below-average salary nationally but then something interesting happens: earnings jump 40% by year four to $77,185, surpassing the national 75th percentile. Among Texas information science programs, this places it solidly in the middle of the pack—roughly $20,000 behind the state's top performer (Strayer-Texas) but well ahead of several university alternatives. The $25,000 debt load is manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 that most graduates should be able to handle comfortably.
What sets this program apart is that trajectory after graduation. While first-year earnings of $55,081 won't blow anyone away, the steep climb suggests graduates are gaining valuable skills that employers reward quickly. This pattern often indicates a program preparing students for roles with clear advancement paths rather than dead-end entry positions. With a robust sample size backing these numbers, this isn't a statistical fluke.
For families weighing in-state options in Texas, Tech offers a solid middle ground: better long-term outcomes than UNT or South University-Austin, reasonable debt, and a proven track record of graduate career growth. The value here isn't in the starting salary—it's in where graduates end up four years later.
Where Texas Tech University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all information science/studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Texas Tech 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Tech University | $55,081 | $77,185 | +40% |
| Boston College | $80,731 | $106,214 | +32% |
| Strayer University-Texas | $71,167 | $78,793 | +11% |
| The University of Texas at Arlington | $57,756 | $75,393 | +31% |
| South University-Austin | $44,682 | $60,708 | +36% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Texas Tech UniversityLubbock | $11,852 | $55,081 | $77,185 | $25,000 | 0.45 |
 Strayer University-TexasFarmers Branch | $13,920 | $71,167 | $78,793 | $53,250 | 0.75 |
 The University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington | $11,728 | $57,756 | $75,393 | $20,205 | 0.35 |
 University of North TexasDenton | $11,164 | $52,449 | — | $26,375 | 0.50 |
 South University-AustinRound Rock | $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 Tech University, approximately 26% 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 133 graduates with reported earnings and 129 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.