Information Science at Rutgers University-New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Information Science/Studies
76 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
77
Optimistic
76
Base Case
69
Pessimistic
Earnings $56,360/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (68% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (221,900 openings/yr)
ROI 13.4x earnings multiple (6.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #49 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 $964K $925K $715K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.0x 13.4x 10.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.7x 6.4x 5.0x
Probability of Field Employment 74% 68% 39%
DegreeOutlook Score 77 76 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)
$68,956
Out-of-state: $144,004 (6.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$94,076
-36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,500
5.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$97,712
73% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $56,360 track close to the $59,433 national median for Information Science programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 13.4x 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 26% gap from the optimistic case.

At $23,500 in median debt against $56,360 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #49 of 129 Information Science programs, Rutgers University-New Brunswick scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $97,712 show a 73% jump from the $56,360 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Rutgers University-New Brunswick

With a 65% acceptance rate, Rutgers University-New Brunswick is moderately selective, one of the larger campuses at 36,357 students in New Brunswick, NJ.

See all programs and financial aid at Rutgers University-New Brunswick →

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 Rutgers University-New Brunswick

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Information Science at Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
This program scores 76/100 — 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 $715,477 in decade earnings vs $963,889 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →