Home › Dakota State University › Information Science

Information Science at Dakota State University

Madison, SD · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Information Science/Studies

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $63,636/yr (7% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (68% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (221,900 openings/yr)

ROI 18.5x earnings multiple (14.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #20 of 129 Information Science/Studies programs Top 25%

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	$732K	$713K	$593K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	19.0x	18.5x	15.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	14.4x	14.0x	11.6x
Probability of Field Employment	74%	68%	39%
DegreeOutlook Score	80	79	72

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$38,532

Out-of-state: $50,940 (14.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$78,900

-105% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,343

3.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$78,642

24% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Dakota State University's Information Science graduates start at $63,636/yr — above the $59,433 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 18.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 19% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Information Science career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $19,343 in median debt clears quickly against $63,636 in annual earnings.

Dakota State University ranks #20 among 129 Information Science programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 24% earnings increase from $63,636 to $78,642 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Dakota State University

A 98% acceptance rate means Dakota State University is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 1,969 in Madison, SD.

See all programs and financial aid at Dakota 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 Dakota State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 79/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Information Science at Dakota State University?

At 79/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.

Should I worry about AI if I study Information Science at Dakota State University?

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 Dakota State University one of the best schools for Information Science?

Among 129 Information Science programs, Dakota State University's #20 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →