Information Sciences
Quick Facts: Information Sciences Training
Where it's offered
Information Sciences programs are offered at 109 schools across 31 states. Most students attend a school within driving distance of home — use the state picker below to see programs near you.
Earnings expectations
Graduates earn approximately $38,486/year on average one year after completion, per the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard. Pay scales with experience, certifications, and regional cost-of-living.
Apprenticeship pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 2 registered apprenticeship pathways related to Information Sciences — earn-while-you-learn alternatives to traditional schooling. See apprenticeship.gov for the federal registry.
Program quality benchmark
Across the 109 schools we analyze, the average TradeSchoolOutlook Score is 55/100. Higher-scoring programs combine strong graduate earnings, manageable cost, and strong job-market demand — see the leaderboard further down for the highest-rated options.
What Information Sciences Graduates Do
Your career in tech often begins on a team, perhaps as a software developer using languages like Python to build new app features, or as an information security analyst monitoring networks for threats with tools like Splunk. Entry-level roles focus on specific tasks like fixing bugs or responding to security alerts under supervision. With a few years of experience, you’ll take on more complex challenges, designing systems and mentoring others. Many progress to senior specialist roles or into management, leading teams and setting strategy as a Computer and Information Systems Manager.
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Demand is soaring across the board, especially in high-growth areas like cybersecurity and data science. While starting salaries are strong, your earning potential grows significantly as you specialize, with experienced managers and senior developers commanding top-tier incomes.
AI assistants can now write routine code and identify common vulnerabilities, automating tedious work. This frees you to focus on the human-centric tasks that remain critical: understanding client needs, designing complex systems, and creative problem-solving. Your value will come from mastering these new tools to become a more effective architect and strategist, not just a technician.
You may also want to compare Information Sciences with Computer Science, Information Science, and Computer Networking on earnings and ROI.
Registered Apprenticeship Pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 2 registered apprenticeship occupations related to Information Sciences. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn — most have zero tuition costs and pay wages from day one.
| Apprenticeship | Training Hours | Type | Salary RangeSalary | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Data Scientist
RAPIDS 2079CB |
Competency | Competency | $83K – $112,590 – $156K | 33.5% |
|
It Project Manager
RAPIDS 1048CB |
Competency | Competency | $134K – $171,200 – $216K | 15.2% |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database (RAPIDS). Wages and job growth from Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034 projections.
Find Information Sciences Programs in Your State
Trade and community college programs are local decisions — most students pick a school within driving distance. Information Sciences is offered at 109 schools across 31 states. Pick your state to see a local comparison (states with fewer programs link to the state hub).
Top Information Sciences Programs Nationally
For context, here are the highest-scoring Information Sciences programs in the country. Most students attend a school within 60 miles of home, so your state list above is usually more actionable — but these are the benchmarks others compete against.
Top 20 of 109 schools ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click any row for full earnings projections and career analysis.
Highest Earning Information Sciences Programs
Schools where Information Sciences graduates earn the most in their first year after graduation.
| School | 1-Year Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado State University Global | $61,737/yr | 82 |
| Des Moines Area Community College | $60,163/yr | 78 |
| University of Nebraska at Omaha | $58,750/yr | 83 |
| Salt Lake Community College | $57,428/yr | 86 |
| Salt Lake Community College | $55,961/yr | 83 |
| Southeast Community College Area | $55,738/yr | 83 |
| Wake Technical Community College | $55,264/yr | 87 |
| Front Range Community College | $53,219/yr | 79 |
| Southern Careers Institute-Austin | $52,079/yr | 70 |
| Northwood Technical College | $50,239/yr | 83 |
Best ROI for Information Sciences
Schools with the highest earnings-to-tuition ratio for Information Sciences.
| School | ROI Multiple | Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tarrant County College District | 316.4x | $37,808/yr | 81 |
| Wake Technical Community College | 235.6x | $55,264/yr | 87 |
| Durham Technical Community College | 235.5x | $46,966/yr | 85 |
| Rowan-Cabarrus Community College | 210.1x | $34,853/yr | 79 |
| Guilford Technical Community College | 201.4x | $36,227/yr | 80 |
| Davidson-Davie Community College | 181.9x | $36,168/yr | 79 |
| Fayetteville Technical Community College | 173.6x | $32,154/yr | 77 |
| Wake Technical Community College | 140.2x | $48,280/yr | 84 |
| Salt Lake Community College | 133.9x | $57,428/yr | 86 |
| Central New Mexico Community College | 129.3x | $34,156/yr | 77 |
Related Majors
Explore similar fields of study.
Considering a 4-Year Degree?
Compare the trade route with a bachelor's degree. See how Information Sciences degree programs stack up on earnings and ROI.