Information Science at Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Information Science/Studies
78 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
79
Optimistic
78
Base Case
71
Pessimistic
Earnings $56,399/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (68% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (221,900 openings/yr)
ROI 29.5x earnings multiple (9.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #38 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 $679K $664K $564K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 30.1x 29.5x 25.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 10.1x 9.9x 8.4x
Probability of Field Employment 74% 68% 39%
DegreeOutlook Score 79 78 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)
$22,532
Out-of-state: $67,244 (9.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$53,972
-140% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,747
5.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$71,322
26% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $56,399/yr, roughly in line with the $59,433 national median for Information Science. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 29.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 17% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Information Science career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $56,399 far exceeding the $23,747 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #38 ranking among 129 Information Science programs places Fort Hays State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 26% earnings increase from $56,399 to $71,322 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University accepts 92% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 9,792 in Hays, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at Fort Hays 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 Fort Hays State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 78/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Information Science at Fort Hays State University?
At 78/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Information Science at Fort Hays State University?
The 68% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →