Information Science at SUNY Buffalo State University

Buffalo, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Information Science/Studies
72 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
72
Optimistic
72
Base Case
65
Pessimistic
Earnings $49,686/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (68% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (221,900 openings/yr)
ROI 18.1x earnings multiple (8.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #65 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 $625K $614K $535K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.4x 18.1x 15.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.3x 8.1x 7.1x
Probability of Field Employment 74% 68% 39%
DegreeOutlook Score 72 72 65

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,944
Out-of-state: $75,624 (8.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,916
-68% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,250
4.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,973
29% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $49,686 per year, Information Science graduates from SUNY Buffalo State University earn below the $59,433 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 18.1x 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 14% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $19,250 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #65 of 129 Information Science programs, SUNY Buffalo State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $49,686 to $63,973 over five years — a 29% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About SUNY Buffalo State University

With 76% of applicants admitted, SUNY Buffalo State University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 5,358 in Buffalo, NY. 53% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at SUNY Buffalo 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 SUNY Buffalo 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 SUNY Buffalo State University?
This program scores 72/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Information Science programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
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 $535,387 in decade earnings vs $624,610 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Information Science from SUNY Buffalo State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →