Analysis
The University of Tulsa's Information Science program illustrates a common challenge at selective private universities: how to justify the premium when outcome data is sparse. With estimated first-year earnings around $58,651 and debt near $26,694, the fundamentals appear workable—national benchmarks for this credential suggest a debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5 is achievable. But these figures come from peer institutions nationally, not TU's actual graduates, leaving important questions unanswered about how this specific program performs.
What we do know: TU enrolls academically competitive students (median SAT of 1325) who may bring advantages to the job market regardless of program quality. Information science sits at the intersection of technology and data analysis, fields with strong hiring demand, which could mean the national median understates potential for graduates from a selective program. However, it could also mean the opposite—that TU's smaller program lacks the industry connections or curriculum depth of larger state universities with established tech pipelines.
The estimated debt falls slightly above the national median for this major, typical for private universities but worth questioning given the uncertainty. If your child is choosing between TU and Oklahoma's public options, request concrete placement data directly from the program office: where recent graduates actually work and what they earn. The numbers here suggest viability, but without verified outcomes from this specific program, you're betting on TU's brand rather than proven results.
Where University of Tulsa Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all information science/studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Information Science/Studies bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $48,602 | $58,651* | — | $26,694* | — | |
| $65,997 | $102,998* | — | $12,000* | 0.12 | |
| $49,600 | $98,551* | — | $24,625* | 0.25 | |
| — | $88,713* | — | $16,667* | 0.19 | |
| $17,228 | $88,515* | $99,659 | $20,875* | 0.24 | |
| $67,680 | $80,731* | $106,214 | $17,500* | 0.22 | |
| National Median | — | $58,651* | — | $25,750* | 0.44 |
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 Tulsa, 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 national median of 129 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.