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Information Science/Studies at Dakota State University

Madison, SD · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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/Studies 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/Studies 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/Studies 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/Studies 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/Studies 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/Studies 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/Studies 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/Studies?

Among 129 Information Science/Studies 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 →