Information Science at South University-Columbia

Columbia, SC · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree · Information Science/Studies
61 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
62
Optimistic
61
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,682/yr (-25% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (68% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (221,900 openings/yr)
ROI 9.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #109 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 graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $674K $659K $562K
Earnings Multiple 9.2x 9.0x 7.7x
Probability of Field Employment 74% 68% 39%
DegreeOutlook Score 62 61 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$72,952
Median Debt at Graduation
$45,268
12.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$67,229
50% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $44,682 per year, Information Science graduates from South University-Columbia earn below the $59,433 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

A 9.0x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 17% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Information Science career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.0x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #109 ranking among 129 Information Science programs places South University-Columbia in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $44,682-to-$67,229 earnings arc over five years reflects a 50% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About South University-Columbia

a smaller institution with 445 students in Columbia, SC. Pell Grant recipients make up 58% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at South University-Columbia →

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 South University-Columbia

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 61/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Information Science at South University-Columbia?
At 61/100, the score looks reasonable — but Information Science is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
What's the payoff timeline for a Information Science degree from South University-Columbia?
At $45,268 in median debt, graduates carry 12 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Information Science at South University-Columbia?
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 South University-Columbia a good choice for Information Science despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If South University-Columbia'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 →