Information Science/Studies at Walla Walla University

Washington's Information Science programs show significant variation, but with limited data from this small private institution, we're working from national benchmarks. Based on comparable programs nationwide, graduates typically earn around $58,651 in their first year—a solid start for a tech-adjacent field, though notably below what pure computer science programs command. The estimated $26,700 in debt produces a manageable 0.46 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning roughly half a year's salary to repay what was borrowed.

The challenge here is uncertainty. With only four schools offering this program in Washington and no reported outcomes from peer institutions in the state, you're essentially betting on national averages holding true for a specific private university in a smaller market. Information Science sits in an interesting middle ground—not quite computer science, not quite IT—and career trajectories can vary widely depending on whether graduates land in data analysis, UX research, library science, or tech consulting roles.

If your child is drawn to this program specifically, schedule a conversation with Walla Walla's career services about where recent graduates actually ended up and what companies recruit on campus. The numbers suggest reasonable value if outcomes match national patterns, but you'll want confirmation that this particular program has established pathways into jobs that justify both the cost and the career pivot away from more traditional tech degrees.