Information Science/Studies at Murray State University

Murray, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
72 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
73
Optimistic
72
Base Case
69
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,178/yr (-27% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (68% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (221,900 openings/yr)
ROI 23.5x earnings multiple (11.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #61 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 $951K $913K $709K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 24.5x 23.5x 18.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 12.2x 11.7x 9.1x
Probability of Field Employment 74% 68% 39%
DegreeOutlook Score 73 72 69

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,832
Out-of-state: $77,808 (11.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$36,484
6% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,037
5.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$89,111
106% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $43,178 place Murray State University below the $59,433 national median for Information Science/Studies — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 23.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 25% 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 $43,178 far exceeding the $19,037 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #61 ranking among 129 Information Science/Studies programs places Murray State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $43,178-to-$89,111 earnings arc over five years reflects a 106% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Murray State University

Murray State University accepts 86% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 6,646 students in Murray, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at Murray 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

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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 does a 72/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Information Science/Studies at Murray State University?
At 72/100, 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 Murray 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.
Is Murray State University a good choice for Information Science/Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Murray State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →