### SUMMARY

 Majoring in Information Science is not only a valuable choice, but frequently a critical first step for scholars endeavoring to pursue a career as a network architect, an information security analyst, or a technical writer. Interestingly, information science is fairly popular ranking as the 54th most popular degree. Last year alone, there were 9,118 information science graduates. In-state tuition for information science at private colleges is, on average, 3.4 times more costly than their public equivalents.

 There are 289 schools which offer information science. This number of colleges is on par with other degrees offered in the United States. If you're looking to immerse yourself with other information science undergraduates, look at universities in Maryland which have the most undergrads admitted to information science annually. less precisely, the top region to major in information science is in the Mid East region with [University of Maryland Global Campus](/colleges/university-of-maryland-global-campus), [University of Maryland-College Park](/colleges/university-of-maryland-college-park), and [Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus](/colleges/pennsylvania-state-university-main-campus) best representing the region. Interestingly, our selection for the best conference to study information science is the Big Ten Conference with [University of Maryland-College Park](/colleges/university-of-maryland-college-park), [Rutgers University-New Brunswick](/colleges/rutgers-university-new-brunswick), and [Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus](/colleges/pennsylvania-state-university-main-campus) representing the conference. Based on our list on the [best colleges](/rankings/best-colleges), our selection for the best university for information science is [Northwestern University](/colleges/northwestern-university).

 The 'best' school does not have to be the 'best' school for every student. There are a bunch more factors to consider when selecting school. External stuff such as campus amenities, transportation services, and food could refashion your choice of where to go to school. At Authority, we evaluated the pros and cons for you. If, for example, you are interested in which information science school has the top campus, the winner is [Northeastern University](/colleges/northeastern-university). If you are mostly interested in which university boasts the best campus, then we have a whole page [dedicated to that](/rankings/best-college-campuses). We have carefully pored through student reviews, professor reviews, government databases, and more to compare every major in the United States in an unbiased and informative way. Here you can explore our well researched list for the universities with the [best student life](/rankings/best-student-life)&nbspand from that list, our selection of the university with the best student life for information science is [University of Michigan-Ann Arbor](/colleges/university-of-michigan-ann-arbor). Are you curious why? Continue reading to discover more about our top selections. Many of our conclusions will probably surprise you.

 If expense is a significant influence in your choice of where you attend college, you might be cautious about [George Washington University](/colleges/george-washington-university). [George Washington University](/colleges/george-washington-university)&nbspappears to be the most expensive university for information science, at least regarding out of state enrollment. That being said, we have an entire page for the [most expensive](/rankings/most-expensive-colleges)&nbspcolleges that might put the price tag of [George Washington University](/colleges/george-washington-university)&nbspinto perspective. You could also care to know that information science is the 182nd most expensive degree in the nation, with an average bill of $31,400. On a broader scale, the most costly state for information science in the nation is Iowa with tuition and fees at the main school, Luther College, of $43,500. Even more broadly, the most costly region for information science is the Far West region which is best demonstrated with [California Lutheran University](/colleges/california-lutheran-university) with a cost of $43,900, [University of California-Riverside](/colleges/university-of-california-riverside) with a cost of $41,196, and [George Fox University](/colleges/george-fox-university) with a cost of $36,750.

 Our cheapest region for information science is the Southwest region which is represented by [Southeastern Oklahoma State University](/colleges/southeastern-oklahoma-state-university) with a cost of $14,880, [The University of Texas of the Permian Basin](/colleges/the-university-of-texas-of-the-permian-basin) with a cost of $5,767, and [Strayer University-Texas](/colleges/strayer-university-texas) with a cost of $13,320. On the bright side, the most affordable university for information science is [University of Maryland Global Campus](/colleges/university-of-maryland-global-campus). Authority's comprehensive list of the most affordable schools can be explored [here](/rankings/most-affordable-colleges).

 In-state learners can expect to pay in the neighborhood of $10,600 for a degree in information science. That price inflates by a lot to an average of $22,300 for the out-of-state public-school undergraduate. Our selection for the school constituting the best value for information science: [Northwestern University](/colleges/northwestern-university). Here you can see our comprehensive list about the schools we believe to be the [best value](/rankings/best-value-colleges)&nbspin general. Do know, this discussion is based on the assumption that you are an out-of-state student. A discussion of value changes when in-state tuition is considered, but we do not know where you live (and are not trying to collect that kind of data).

 Earnings for information science majors can cover a wide range, but two-years after finishing the degree students will regularly make around $62,200. There can be a lot of variation in earnings; top earners can make up to $102,200. Straight out of university, the lowest end opportunities within the information science field earn $37,000, which could be worse. The top earning graduates from information science attended [Boston College](/colleges/boston-college)&nbspand if you want to find the universities with all of the [highest earning graduates](/rankings/highest-earning-graduates), we have that too.

 The all-around diversity of information science ranks near the very top, ranking within the 97th percentile of majors nationally. The school with the most composite diversity for information science is [University of Maryland Global Campus](/colleges/university-of-maryland-global-campus)&nbspand here you can find our general list for the universities which have the [most diversity](/rankings/most-diverse-colleges). The financial diversity of the Information Science major only ranks within the 50th percentile compared to all other majors. Racial diversity is actually above financial diversity, ranking in the 99th percentile. White students make up the largest proportion at 42% of those majoring in information science. Additionally, 68% of students pursuing an information science major are men.

 The median score of information science's professors is 4.1 stars, a score that is 2% greater than the average score across every major; this is a good ranking. If you are curious about the most popular information science instructor nationally, consider looking up Bryan Deehring from [Anne Arundel Community College](/colleges/anne-arundel-community-college). This might be a shock, but the top ranked information science instructors from student rankings are found at [California State University-Northridge](/colleges/california-state-university-northridge). If we incorporate data other than simply rankings it becomes clear that the university possessing the best professors for information science is [Northwestern University](/colleges/northwestern-university). One will find an explanation of our evolving ranking methodology for the [best overall professors here](/rankings/best-professors), along with some of the finest professors nationwide.

 Finally, the hardest school to get into for information science is [Northwestern University](/colleges/northwestern-university). While we do not necessarily see the value in it, we have an extensive list for the [hardest colleges to get into](/rankings/hardest-colleges-to-get-into). With that said, we do hope you believe that considering the higher education world with a perspective only derived from superlatives could be said to be the root of many of higher education's fundamental issues. We hope you look at some of our other pages on different colleges and read a couple of Authority's background articles on beneficial things to think about as you progress with your college search.



 ### POPULARITY

 Information science is the 54th most popular degree in America, with 9,118 students receiving their bachelors degree last year. It just beat out #55 [Econometrics and Quantitative Economics](/rankings/best-colleges-for-econometrics-and-quantitative-economics), and narrowly lost to #53 [Biochemistry](/rankings/best-colleges-for-biochemistry).

 The degree is offered at a total of 289 colleges across the nation, and is the 78th most widely offered degree. It is only offered at 12% of the Top 100 [Best Colleges](/rankings/best-colleges) in America.

 It is also worth noting that hardly over five eighths of colleges offering information science are public making it a quite accessible field.

 The mid east produces the most information science graduates, largely led by [University of Maryland Global Campus](/colleges/university-of-maryland-global-campus), while it’s the Big Ten Conference that leads conference totals. As far as states, Maryland ranks highest, with particular help from [University of Maryland Global Campus](/colleges/university-of-maryland-global-campus) and [University of Maryland-Baltimore County](/colleges/university-of-maryland-baltimore-county).

 All that being said, no individual school produces more information science graduates than [University of Alabama at Birmingham](/colleges/university-of-alabama-at-birmingham), which graduated 1315 students last year alone. Although size is critical, another important factor to consider is the program’s density (the percent of all students that study information science). More students studied information science as a percentage of total students at [Florida Institute of Technology-Online](/colleges/florida-institute-of-technology-online) than any other college.



 ### COST

 Information science is the 182nd most expensive major in the US, with a median cost of $31,408 amongst the top 50 programs (just ahead of #183, [Special Education and Teaching](rankings/best-colleges-for-special-education-and-teaching), with a median cost of $31,252).

 The Far West has the most expensive colleges with top 50 information science programs led by [California Lutheran University](/colleges/california-lutheran-university) with an annual cost of $43,900. Iowa is the most expensive state for information science led by [Luther College](/colleges/luther-college).

 Public schools with solid programs by and large charge 70.97% less than private schools for in-state students. However, when looking at out-of-state tuition, the median top 50 Public school charges 38.83% less than your average private school. So, if you're applying to a state school, make sure you qualify for in-state tuition as soon as possible.

 The most high-priced option in the top 25 is [George Washington University](/colleges/george-washington-university), which is the 19th most expensive college in the United States. The most affordable option in the top 100 is [College of Charleston](/colleges/college-of-charleston). It costs just $70 per year, but it's its information science program is ranked #70. If you’re looking for a higher ranked, but still affordable school, [University of Maryland Global Campus](/colleges/university-of-maryland-global-campus)  could be for you, ranked #17 with an in-state cost of just $7,200. Another more affordable option would be #12, [CUNY Bernard M Baruch College](/colleges/cuny-bernard-m-baruch-college) in New York County, NY with a cost of $6,930 for in-state students and $14,880 for out-of-state students.



### SALARY

 Paying for college is an important investment for most people. It's critical to ensure you expand your earning potential. It is our goal that the following career and income information help you make an informed decision when electing your focus.

 In their first year out of school, Information Science students bring in $63,218 per annum on average, which is the 37th highest of any major. After some experience in their occupations, they commonly make somewhere between $36,996 and $102,178, but average approximately $62,233. For context, that's 61% above the national average.

 The most common job placement for an Information Science graduate is Engineer, which normally earn near $59,000; next are Software Development Engineer and Software Engineer, which predominantly earn close to $89,000 and $65,000 respectively.

 The Mid East has the most well paid Information Science graduates. The most well paid state for Information Science alumni is MI. The highest grossing conference for Information Science graduates is Atlantic Coast Conference.



### PROFESSORS

 Fast Facts for Information Science: Median Professor Rating: 4.1 / 5, which is above average.

 Instructors always play a mighty role in your college experience, regardless of your primary focus. An effective teacher might provide inspiration and set one up for future success. Contrarily, an unpleasant professor can derail your schooling or even worse... flunk you!

 Information Science professors have a median student rating of 4.1 out of 5, which puts them in the top 43rd percentile in the US grounded in overall professor effectivness. For context a 4.1 rating is 2.5% above the national median professor rating for all subjects. Professors of Information Science slightly out-ranked those from ["Teacher Education and Professional Development"](/rankings/best-colleges-for-teacher-education-and-professional-development), whereas ["Culinary Arts"](/rankings/best-colleges-for-culinary-arts)&nbspprofessors ranked one slot above Information Science.

 Now for some statistics about Information Science professors. Colleges located in distant towns tend to have the best Information Science professors. The State University of New York Athletic Conference has the highest rated Information Science professors. The New England region has the highest rated Information Science professors. Public schools tend to have higher rated Information Science professors than private institutions. Finally, Michigan has the highest rated Information Science professors in the nation.

 Bryan Deehring, professor at [Anne Arundel Community College](/colleges/anne-arundel-community-college)&nbspin Arnold, MD is the most popular Information Science professor in the US. Kent Feng, professor at [CUNY New York City College of Technology](/colleges/cuny-new-york-city-college-of-technology)&nbspin Brooklyn, NY is the highest rated Information Science professor in America, with a rating of 5 / 5.

 Learn which institutions have the [Best Professors](/rankings/best-professors)!



### STUDENTS

 College often can be an especially formative time of one's life; it's an opportunity for personal growth and maturation. Students start to ascertain who they hope to be and learn the required skills to be a flourishing member of society. But learning isn't purely found in the classroom - the late nights discussing Vonnegut with a peer, the personal lesson received from an old professor, the exposure to a different attitude. Therefore, finding a diverse college tremendously enriches what one gains from the time at university.

 Information Science is the 5th most diverse focus \*. 42% of the US' Information Science majors are white students, followed by students of other races\*\*(21%), asian students (14%), and black students (14%). The most ethnically diverse college\* in the top 100 is [Adelphi University](/colleges/adelphi-university)&nbspin Garden City, NY.

 In addition, Information Science significatly skews male, with barely over 2/3rds of students majoring in Information Science identifying as men. [Newman University](/colleges/newman-university) in Wichita, KS has the most gender balanced student body in the top 100.

 Another critical type of diversity is financial diversity. Information Science is pretty close to average for income diversity (50th percentile). 30% of its majors come from families with $110,000 plus annual incomes, 16% are from homes making between $48,000 and $75,000 a year, and 24% grew up in families earning under $30,000 a year. [Friends University](/colleges/friends-university) has the most fiscally diverse students in the top 100.

 Considering each type of diversity, overall IL is the most diverse state for Information Science. The Mid East is the most diverse region, and the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference is the most diverse conference.

   \* diversity calculations and comparisons are based on [Simpson's Diversity Index](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity_index)   
  \*\* other races is used to refer to non asian, black, latino, or white

  #### Diversity Statistics

  ##### Racial Diversity

 * Asian: 14%
* Black: 14%
* Latino: 8%
* White: 42%
* Other: 21%
  ##### Gender Diversity

 * Male: 68%
* Female: 32%
  ##### Socioeconomic Diversity (By Household Income)

 * Under 30k: 24%
* 30k - 48k: 14%
* 48k - 75k: 16%
* 75k - 110k: 16%
* Over 110k: 30%
  ##### Geographic Diversity

 * In State: 72%
* Out of State: 24%
* International: 5%


University of Pennsylvania

Rice University

Yale University

University of Notre Dame

California Institute of Technology

Cornell University

Brown University

Columbia University in the City of New York

Northwestern University

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Davidson College

University of Virginia-Main Campus

Johns Hopkins University

Barnard College

Swarthmore College

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Wellesley College

United States Military Academy

Boston College

University of Florida

New York University

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of Texas at Austin

Haverford College

Northeastern University

Search for the best Information Science colleges according to your filter parameters.

2023 Information Science Salary

There are about 55,860 students enrolled in Information Science in the USA.

SALARY