Information Science/Studies at Valdosta State University

Valdosta State's Information Science program earns graduates $51,888 their first year—slightly above the state median but about $7,000 below the national average. Here's the silver lining: at 60th percentile among Georgia programs, it outperforms more than half of in-state alternatives while keeping debt manageable at $25,500. For Georgia families, especially those benefiting from in-state tuition (51% of students receive Pell grants), this represents solid middle-of-the-pack value.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 means graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary, a workable figure that shouldn't strain budgets. However, parents should note that top-performing Georgia programs like Kennesaw State and Georgia Southern deliver $12,000-$20,000 more in starting earnings—potentially worth exploring if admission is feasible. Strayer's $71,000 median seems impressive but comes with important caveats about for-profit education models.

For students admitted to Valdosta State, this program offers reasonable outcomes without excessive debt burden. It won't catapult graduates to the top of the earnings distribution, but it provides stable entry into information science careers at a cost that won't dominate their financial lives. The combination of accessible admission, affordable debt, and median-plus state earnings makes this a practical choice for students seeking predictable returns rather than exceptional ones.