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Information Science/Studies at Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

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/Studies 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/Studies. 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/Studies 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/Studies 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/Studies 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/Studies 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/Studies 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 →