Analysis
An estimated $13,125 in debt against first-year earnings around $38,000 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35—well below concerning thresholds. Based on comparable Information Science programs in Ohio, Toledo's associate degree appears positioned in the middle of the pack for earnings, though one standout (Cuyahoga Community College) reports significantly higher outcomes at $45,238. The debt burden here is modest enough that graduates should be able to service loans without financial strain, assuming those estimated earnings hold true.
The challenge is uncertainty. With both earnings and debt derived from peer programs rather than Toledo's actual graduates, you're making decisions with incomplete information. The national benchmark sits just slightly higher at $38,906, suggesting the Ohio estimate is reasonable, but individual program quality, curriculum focus, and employer connections can create substantial variation. Information Science credentials can lead to diverse roles—from help desk support to junior database administration—where outcomes depend heavily on specific skills acquired and local job markets.
Given Toledo's 95% admission rate and the relatively low debt load, this represents a lower-risk pathway into tech-adjacent work. But before committing, push the program for placement statistics, internship partnerships, and whether their curriculum emphasizes in-demand technical skills or more general information management. The debt picture looks safe; whether the credential delivers value depends entirely on execution.
Where University of Toledo Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all information science/studies associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Information Science/Studies associates's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,377 | $37,961* | — | $13,125* | — | |
| $3,736 | $45,238* | $54,104 | $17,629* | 0.39 | |
| $13,570 | $37,961* | $54,073 | $13,125* | 0.35 | |
| $6,554 | $37,961* | $54,073 | $13,125* | 0.35 | |
| $6,992 | $37,961* | $54,073 | $13,125* | 0.35 | |
| $5,856 | $29,311* | $29,406 | $7,668* | 0.26 | |
| National Median | — | $38,906* | — | $13,300* | 0.34 |
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 University of Toledo, approximately 26% 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 median of 5 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.