Information Science/Studies
What Information Science/Studies Graduates Do
You'll likely start your career as a software developer, working on a team to build the apps and websites people use every day. Your days will involve writing and testing code in languages like Python or JavaScript, collaborating with colleagues using project management tools like Jira, and solving complex technical puzzles. As you gain experience, you’ll progress from building individual features to designing entire systems. Many experienced pros advance into management, becoming information systems managers who lead tech teams, set strategy, and oversee major projects.
The demand for these skills is immense, fueling some of the fastest-growing job markets in the economy. This translates to a strong starting salary with a clear path to a high six-figure income as you specialize or move into leadership. While AI tools are changing the work by automating routine coding, they aren't eliminating the need for experts. This shift elevates your role, freeing you to focus on what’s hardest to automate: architecting complex systems, understanding user needs, and leading creative teams to solve unique problems.
Registered Apprenticeship Pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 1 registered apprenticeship occupation related to Information Science/Studies. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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.
Best Schools for Information Science/Studies
14 schools ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click any row for full earnings projections and AI-proof analysis.
| # | School | Score | EarningsEarn | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Maryland-Baltimore County Baltimore, MD |
75 62–78 |
$60,020/yr | 77.4x |
| 2 | Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, IN |
75 66–77 |
$46,815/yr | 94.3x |
| 3 | Cuyahoga Community College District Cleveland, OH |
73 61–76 |
$45,238/yr | 84.2x |
| 4 | Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, IN |
71 63–73 |
$54,649/yr | 49.9x |
| 5 | Clayton State University Morrow, GA |
65 57–67 |
$43,702/yr | 42.1x |
| 6 | Hudson Valley Community College Troy, NY |
63 51–66 |
$38,906/yr | 46.8x |
| 7 | University of Cincinnati-Clermont College Batavia, OH |
62 50–65 |
$37,961/yr | 46.7x |
| 8 | University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College Blue Ash, OH |
62 49–64 |
$37,961/yr | 43.7x |
| 9 | University of Massachusetts-Lowell Lowell, MA |
60 51–62 |
$52,706/yr | 14.9x |
| 10 | ITI Technical College Baton Rouge, LA |
56 46–58 |
$39,046/yr | 20.1x |
| 11 | University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Cincinnati, OH |
56 44–58 |
$37,961/yr | 22.1x |
| 12 | Onondaga Community College Syracuse, NY |
55 45–58 |
$31,342/yr | 35.8x |
| 13 | Zane State College Zanesville, OH |
54 43–56 |
$29,311/yr | 34.9x |
| 14 | Ace Institute of Technology New York, NY |
50 41–53 |
$26,914/yr | — |
Highest Earning Information Science/Studies Programs
Schools where Information Science/Studies graduates earn the most in their first year after graduation.
| School | 1-Year Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland-Baltimore County | $60,020/yr | 75 |
| Ivy Tech Community College | $54,649/yr | 71 |
| University of Massachusetts-Lowell | $52,706/yr | 60 |
| Ivy Tech Community College | $46,815/yr | 75 |
| Cuyahoga Community College District | $45,238/yr | 73 |
| Clayton State University | $43,702/yr | 65 |
| ITI Technical College | $39,046/yr | 56 |
| Hudson Valley Community College | $38,906/yr | 63 |
| University of Cincinnati-Clermont College | $37,961/yr | 62 |
| University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College | $37,961/yr | 62 |
Best ROI for Information Science/Studies
Schools with the highest earnings-to-tuition ratio for Information Science/Studies.
| School | ROI Multiple | Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ivy Tech Community College | 94.3x | $46,815/yr | 75 |
| Cuyahoga Community College District | 84.2x | $45,238/yr | 73 |
| University of Maryland-Baltimore County | 77.4x | $60,020/yr | 75 |
| Ivy Tech Community College | 49.9x | $54,649/yr | 71 |
| Hudson Valley Community College | 46.8x | $38,906/yr | 63 |
| University of Cincinnati-Clermont College | 46.7x | $37,961/yr | 62 |
| University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College | 43.7x | $37,961/yr | 62 |
| Clayton State University | 42.1x | $43,702/yr | 65 |
| Onondaga Community College | 35.8x | $31,342/yr | 55 |
| Zane State College | 34.9x | $29,311/yr | 54 |
Related Majors
Explore similar fields of study.
Considering a 4-Year Degree?
Compare the trade route with a bachelor's degree. See how Information Science/Studies degree programs stack up on earnings, AI disruption risk, and ROI.