Information Science/Studies at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

UNC-Chapel Hill's Information Science program shows how a flagship university's prestige translates to measurably better financial outcomes—at least compared to national benchmarks. Graduates earn $75,834 in their first year, crushing the national median of $58,651 and landing this program in the 95th percentile nationally. Equally impressive: median debt of just $13,294, roughly half the national median and substantially less than the $33,272 NC state median. That 0.18 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than two months' salary, giving them immediate financial flexibility.

The North Carolina context adds nuance, though. At the 60th percentile statewide for earnings, UNC's program is solid but not dominant among NC schools—several information science programs in the state produce similar first-year earnings around $73,500. The real advantage here is the combination of competitive earnings with dramatically lower debt, likely reflecting UNC's strong financial aid as a flagship public university (despite only 20% Pell enrollment). Earnings growth to $90,138 by year four suggests the degree opens doors to career progression, not just entry-level jobs.

For families debating whether UNC's competitive 19% admission rate is worth pursuing, this program demonstrates clear value. You're paying flagship tuition for outcomes that exceed most private alternatives, with debt loads that won't constrain your child's post-graduation choices. The moderate sample size means individual outcomes will vary, but the fundamentals are sound.