Location: Knoxville, TN•In-State Tuition: $13,484•Out-of-State Tuition: $31,974•Admission Rate: 46%•Avg SAT: 1304
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$58,651
Est. from national median (129 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$25,000
Est. from national median (75 programs)

Analysis

A bachelor's in Information Science from UT-Knoxville comes with an estimated debt load of $25,000—roughly half what similar Tennessee programs report—paired with estimated first-year earnings around $58,651 based on national peer programs. That 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment, though it's worth noting that the one other Tennessee program with reported data shows graduates earning $71,167, indicating there may be significant variation in outcomes within the state.

The limited data here reflects a small graduate cohort rather than poor reporting, which means we're working with educated guesses from comparable programs nationwide. Information Science sits at an interesting crossroads between technical skills and data management, and outcomes can vary considerably depending on whether graduates land in tech-heavy roles or more administrative positions. UT-Knoxville's solid reputation and relatively selective admissions (46% acceptance rate, 1304 SAT) suggest the program likely prepares students well, but without program-specific outcomes, you're essentially betting on the school's broader brand and the field's general trajectory.

The debt figure looks reasonable compared to other UT programs, and if actual outcomes align with peer programs nationally, graduates should handle repayment without undue strain. The gap between the national median and Tennessee's higher figure raises questions about whether this specific program prepares students for the higher-paying opportunities in the state, but with only two programs reporting statewide, drawing firm conclusions is difficult.

Where The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all information science/studies bachelors's programs nationally

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville (estimated ±10%)Other information science/studies programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee

Information Science/Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (2 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville$13,484$58,651*—$25,000*—
Strayer University-TennesseeMemphis$13,920$71,167*$78,793$53,250*0.75
National Median—$58,651*—$25,750*0.44
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with information science/studies graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Computer Occupations, All Other

All computer occupations not listed separately.

Web Administrators

Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications.

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.

Document Management Specialists

Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents.

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 The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, approximately 21% 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 national median of 129 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.