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Computer & Information Sciences · Information Science Rank #10 of 129

Information Scienceat Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Graduates earn $67,827/yr in their first year — about 14.0% above the national Information Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $904K; scenarios range from $703K to $941K depending on AI disruption.

Fort Collins, CO Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
81 STRONG
82
Optimistic
75
Pessimistic
Earnings
$67,827
1-year post-graduation
ROI
18.5x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$904K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Very High
59% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Colorado State University-Fort Collins

While the raw earnings data is impressive, it’s your proximity to the booming Front Range tech corridor that truly drives these outcomes. From Fort Collins down to Boulder and Denver, there's a high concentration of established tech firms and startups actively recruiting CSU graduates. This program isn't just pure coding; it blends technical skills with systems thinking, making you a versatile hire for roles in data management, software development, or IT strategy.

That high "AI risk" score isn't a threat—it's a signal. It means the routine tasks in this field are being automated, so you must focus your studies on the creative, problem-solving aspects of technology that machines can't replicate. Your key piece of actionable advice: secure at least two internships with local tech companies before you graduate. That hands-on experience will be your most valuable asset in a rapidly evolving industry.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$703K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score75/100
Earnings Multiple13.6x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$904K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score81/100
Earnings Multiple17.5x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$941K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score82/100
Earnings Multiple18.2x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Colorado State University-Fort Collins's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Information Science graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Computer and information systems managers
+15.2% 10-yr growth · 55,600 openings/yr
$171,200/yr
High
2
Computer and information research scientists
+19.7% 10-yr growth · 3,200 openings/yr
$140,910/yr
High
3
Database architects
+8.7% 10-yr growth · 4,000 openings/yr
$135,980/yr
Very High
4
Software developers
+15.8% 10-yr growth · 115,200 openings/yr
$133,080/yr
Very High
5
Computer occupations, all other
+8.2% 10-yr growth · 31,300 openings/yr
$108,970/yr
High
6
Web and digital interface designers
+7.0% 10-yr growth · 9,100 openings/yr
$98,090/yr
High
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Information Science

How Colorado State University-Fort Collins stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Northwestern University
IL · Private nonprofit
62
DW Score
$103K
1-yr earn
2.9x
ROI
Norwich University
VT · Private nonprofit
63
DW Score
$99K
1-yr earn
4.0x
ROI
Excelsior University
NY · Private nonprofit
63
DW Score
$89K
1-yr earn
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
MI · Public
85
DW Score
$89K
1-yr earn
17.2x
ROI
Boston College
MA · Private nonprofit
74
DW Score
$81K
1-yr earn
3.9x
ROI
Also at Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Other top programs at Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Colorado State University-Fort Collins, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Information Science offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Information Science trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Information Science at Colorado State University-Fort Collins

How does Colorado State University-Fort Collins's Information Science program score?

A score of 81/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Colorado State University-Fort Collins's Information Science graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.

How vulnerable is Information Science to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Information Science 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.