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Information Science at Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, MN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Information Science/Studies

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $64,382/yr (8% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (68% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (221,900 openings/yr)

ROI 18.9x earnings multiple

Ranked #14 of 129 Information Science/Studies programs Top 25%

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	$763K	$741K	$609K
Earnings Multiple	19.5x	18.9x	15.6x
Probability of Field Employment	74%	68%	39%
DegreeOutlook Score	81	80	73

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$39,120

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$76,724

-96% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$17,640

3.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$82,008

27% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $64,382 at Metropolitan State University come in 8% above the national median of $59,433 for Information Science programs.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 18.9x 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 20% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $64,382 far exceeding the $17,640 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #14 of 129 nationally, this is a top-5% Information Science program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $64,382 to $82,008 over five years — a 27% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Metropolitan State University

Metropolitan State University accepts 96% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 4,998 students in Saint Paul, MN. 44% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Metropolitan 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 Metropolitan State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Information Science at Metropolitan State University?

This program scores 80/100 — 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 $608,697 in decade earnings vs $762,717 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

What makes Metropolitan State University's Information Science program stand out?

Ranked #14 of 129 programs nationally, Metropolitan State University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →