Information Science/Studies at University of Utah

The University of Utah's Information Science program launches graduates into solid starting salaries—$70,833 puts them about $12,000 ahead of the national typical graduate in this field. What's even more compelling is the trajectory: earnings jump to over $90,000 by year four, a 28% increase that suggests real career momentum. Among Utah's limited options for this degree (only four schools offer it), this program sits squarely in the middle for earnings, though it carries notably more debt than the state median of $17,599.

The $24,000 in debt translates to just one-third of first-year income, which is manageable territory. Students are essentially betting on strong initial placement and steady progression—a bet that appears to be paying off based on the four-year data. Given the school's high admission rate and accessible tuition structure for Utah residents, this represents a relatively low-risk entry point into the information economy.

The moderate sample size means some caution is warranted, but the fundamentals look sound: graduates earn more than three-quarters of their peers nationally, avoid crushing debt loads, and see meaningful salary growth in their early career years. For Utah families, this program offers a straightforward path to competitive tech-adjacent salaries without the debt burden that often accompanies similar programs elsewhere.