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Information Science/Studies at Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
62 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
63
Optimistic
62
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $102,998/yr (73% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (68% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (221,900 openings/yr)
ROI 3.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #103 of 129 Information Science/Studies programs

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 $1,001K $959K $735K
Earnings Multiple 3.8x 3.6x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 74% 68% 39%
DegreeOutlook Score 63 62 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$263,988
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$108,572
59% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,425
1.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Northwestern University Information Science/Studies graduates command $102,998/yr out of the gate, well above the $59,433 national median. That 73% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

The 3.6x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 68% task exposure — and the 27% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $11,425 in median debt clears quickly against $102,998 in annual earnings.

At #103 out of 129 programs, Northwestern University's financial outcomes for Information Science/Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Northwestern University

Only 7% of applicants gain admission to Northwestern University, reflecting elite selectivity, enrolling 8,960 students in Evanston, IL. The average net cost of $108,572 over four years represents a 59% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Northwestern 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

Compare this program → View all 129 schools offering Information Science/Studies →

Information Science/Studies at Other Schools

Norwich University ($98,551) Excelsior University ($88,713) University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ($88,515) Boston College ($80,731) Albright College ($80,329) James Madison University ($80,173) Utah Valley University ($79,918) Drexel University ($78,755)

Other Majors at Northwestern University

Computer Science ($99,981) Applied Mathematics ($94,684) Industrial Engineering ($89,811) Economics ($84,932) Human Resources Management and Services ($82,255) Chemical Engineering ($80,709) Mathematics ($79,530) Statistics ($77,917)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Information Science/Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

How does Northwestern University's Information Science/Studies program score?
A score of 62/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Northwestern University trails the majority of Information Science/Studies programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How vulnerable is Information Science/Studies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Information Science/Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 68% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Information Science/Studies at Northwestern University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $263,988, but the average net cost is $108,572 — a 59% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →