Information Science at Emporia State University

Emporia, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Information Science/Studies
77 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
78
Optimistic
77
Base Case
71
Pessimistic
Earnings $48,438/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (68% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (221,900 openings/yr)
ROI 28.5x earnings multiple (13.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #42 of 129 Information Science/Studies programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Information Science graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $871K $840K $666K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 29.6x 28.5x 22.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 13.9x 13.4x 10.6x
Probability of Field Employment 74% 68% 39%
DegreeOutlook Score 78 77 71

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,424
Out-of-state: $62,676 (13.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$62,808
-113% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,868
4.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$86,014
78% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $48,438 per year, Information Science graduates from Emporia State University earn below the $59,433 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 28.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Information Science programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Information Science's typical career paths, with 68% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 24% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $18,868 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #42 of 129 Information Science programs, Emporia State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $86,014 show a 78% jump from the $48,438 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Emporia State University

With 98% of applicants admitted, Emporia State University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 2,328 students in Emporia, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at Emporia State University →

Top Career Paths

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr
Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr
Database architects $135,980/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Information Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at Emporia State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Information Science at Emporia State University?
This program scores 77/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Information Science nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Information Science careers?
With 68% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $666,213 in decade earnings vs $871,072 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Information Science from Emporia State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →