Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 places this program in reasonable financial territory, though parents should recognize these figures come from national peer programs rather than Trine's actual graduate outcomes. Based on typical Information Science bachelor's programs nationwide, first-year earnings around $58,651 would cover the estimated $26,694 debt load in under a year of focused repayment—a manageable starting position for a tech-adjacent field.
What's harder to gauge is where Trine specifically sits within this landscape. With only five Information Science programs in Indiana and none reporting public data, it's difficult to benchmark locally. The national median suggests these programs generally produce solid early-career outcomes, but individual schools can vary significantly based on their curriculum focus, industry connections, and geographic placement. Trine's 85% admission rate and relatively low Pell enrollment (16%) suggest a different student profile than some peers, which could influence both the debt students carry and the career networks they access.
The financial framework looks sound on paper, but you're essentially betting on Trine's version of this program performing at least as well as the national average. If your child has alternative offers with reported outcomes—or if you can gather placement data directly from Trine's career services—that evidence would be worth more than these estimates in making your final decision.
Where Trine University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all information science/studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Information Science/Studies bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,600 | $58,651* | — | $26,694* | — | |
| $65,997 | $102,998* | — | $12,000* | 0.12 | |
| $49,600 | $98,551* | — | $24,625* | 0.25 | |
| — | $88,713* | — | $16,667* | 0.19 | |
| $17,228 | $88,515* | $99,659 | $20,875* | 0.24 | |
| $67,680 | $80,731* | $106,214 | $17,500* | 0.22 | |
| 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 Trine University, approximately 16% 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.