Location: Riverside, CA•In-State Tuition: $14,170•Out-of-State Tuition: $44,947•Admission Rate: 63%
Median Earnings (1yr)
$76,090
95th percentile
60th percentile in California
Median Debt
$24,417
5% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.32 ManageableSample: 18 graduates Limited data

Analysis

UC Riverside's Information Science program launches graduates into $76,000 first-year salaries—a figure that outpaces the national median by nearly $18,000 and lands in the 95th percentile nationally. For a public university with a 63% admission rate serving many first-generation students, these outcomes are impressive. The debt load of $24,417 translates to a highly manageable 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than four months of their first-year salary.

The California context tells a more nuanced story. While UCR dominates national comparisons, it sits at the 60th percentile among the state's 11 Information Science programs, where the median starting salary is already strong at $63,000. Still, UCR graduates earn $13,000 more than their counterparts at Cal State Fullerton and carry slightly higher debt than the state median of $19,877—a tradeoff that appears worthwhile given the earnings premium.

The critical caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary significantly from these medians. However, the fundamental economics look sound. For families weighing a UC education against alternatives, this program demonstrates that information science skills translate reliably to strong early-career earnings, even if it's not the absolute top performer within California's competitive landscape.

Where University of California-Riverside Stands

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

University of California-RiversideOther information science/studies programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of California-Riverside graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of California-Riverside earns $76k — 95th percentile among information science/studies bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Information Science/Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (11 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of California-RiversideRiverside$14,170$76,090—$24,4170.32
California State University-FullertonFullerton$7,073$49,897$61,927$15,3370.31
National Median—$58,651—$25,7500.44

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 University of California-Riverside, approximately 47% 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 18 graduates with reported earnings and 19 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.