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Computer & Information Sciences · Information Science Rank #4 of 129

Information Scienceat James Madison University

Graduates earn $80,173/yr in their first year — about 35.0% above the national Information Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $965K; scenarios range from $739K to $1,008K depending on AI disruption.

Harrisonburg, VA Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
85 ELITE
86
Optimistic
78
Pessimistic
Earnings
$80,173
1-year post-graduation
ROI
19.5x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$965K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Very High
59% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at James Madison University

While the career paths listed are high-tech, this program's strength lies in its practical, business-focused approach. You’re not just learning to code; you’re learning how information systems solve organizational problems. This versatility is highly valued by the consulting firms and government contractors that dominate the Northern Virginia and D.C. tech corridor, which actively recruit from JMU. The university has built a powerful reputation as a pipeline for these employers, who need graduates who can manage projects and communicate with clients, not just write software. The high AI risk score isn't a red flag, but a signal: the routine technical tasks are what get automated. Your key advice is to lean into the program’s emphasis on project management and systems analysis to ensure you are the one directing the technology, not being replaced by it.

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
$739K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score78/100
Earnings Multiple13.6x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$965K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score85/100
Earnings Multiple17.8x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$1,008K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score86/100
Earnings Multiple18.6x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to James Madison University'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 James Madison University 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 James Madison University

Other top programs at James Madison University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at James Madison University, 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 James Madison University

How does James Madison University's Information Science program score?

A score of 85/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. James Madison University'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.

Why does James Madison University rank so high for Information Science?

The #4 ranking out of 129 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.