Location: Baltimore, MD•In-State Tuition: $12,952•Out-of-State Tuition: $30,308•Admission Rate: 74%•Avg SAT: 1299
Median Earnings (1yr)
$60,020
95th percentile
Median Debt
$22,518
54% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.38 ManageableSample: 34 graduates

Analysis

UMBC's Information Science certificate punches well above the typical certificate program's weight class. While graduates carry above-average debt at $22,518—about $8,000 more than the national norm for this credential—they're earning $60,020 within a year of completion, landing them in the 95th percentile nationally. More impressively, four years out, that figure jumps 50% to over $90,000, suggesting graduates are entering career tracks with real advancement potential rather than hitting the ceiling typical of many certificate programs.

The debt burden, though higher than average, translates to a remarkably healthy 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning graduates owe less than five months' salary. Given that Maryland's tech corridor offers strong employment opportunities in data analytics, information systems, and related fields, this appears to be strategic debt for market entry. The 60th percentile ranking among Maryland programs is less impressive than the national standing, but with only five comparable programs in-state, these percentiles shouldn't carry much weight.

For families evaluating whether a certificate is worth taking on debt, this program makes a compelling case. The combination of immediate earning power, strong growth trajectory, and manageable debt load positions graduates competitively in Maryland's information economy. The moderate sample size means outcomes are reasonably reliable, though not ironclad.

Where University of Maryland-Baltimore County Stands

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

University of Maryland-Baltimore CountyOther information science/studies programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Maryland-Baltimore County graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Maryland-Baltimore County earns $60k — 95th percentile among information science/studies certificate programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Maryland-Baltimore County$60,020$90,163+50%
Ace Institute of Technology$26,914$39,129+45%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Information Science/Studies certificate's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Maryland-Baltimore CountyBaltimore$12,952$60,020$90,163$22,5180.38
Ivy Tech Community CollegeIndianapolis$4,912$46,815—$12,1060.26
Ace Institute of TechnologyNew York—$26,914$39,129$6,7770.25
National Median—$46,815—$14,6160.31

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 Maryland-Baltimore County, approximately 30% 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 34 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.