Information Science/Studies at University of North Georgia

At just over $50,000 in first-year earnings, University of North Georgia's Information Science program falls below both national and state medians—landing in the 27th percentile nationally and 40th percentile within Georgia. While it sits near the middle of Georgia's pack, top in-state alternatives like Kennesaw State and Georgia Southern offer $13,000 to $14,000 more in starting salary. That gap matters significantly early in a career when compound earnings growth begins.

The financial structure itself is sound: a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 means graduates carry reasonable debt that shouldn't overwhelm their budgets. At $20,815, borrowers owe about $8,000 less than the state median and $5,000 less than the national average. For a family prioritizing affordable access to a tech-adjacent degree, this combination delivers manageable risk even if the earnings upside is limited compared to peers.

The practical calculus comes down to alternatives and career goals. If your student is drawn to UNG for location, campus culture, or specific program features, the debt burden won't create financial hardship—but they're likely leaving money on the table compared to larger public universities nearby. If maximizing early earnings potential matters most, Kennesaw State's significantly higher outcomes warrant serious consideration despite any differences in campus experience or commute.