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Information Science/Studies at Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $31,390/yr (-47% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (68% exposed)

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

ROI 16.5x earnings multiple (8.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #126 of 129 Information Science/Studies programs

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	$741K	$721K	$597K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	17.0x	16.5x	13.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	8.6x	8.4x	7.0x
Probability of Field Employment	74%	68%	39%
DegreeOutlook Score	51	50	55

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$43,584

Out-of-state: $85,920 (8.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$28,672

34% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,000

9.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$65,863

110% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $31,390 per year, Information Science/Studies graduates from Northern Kentucky University earn below the $59,433 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 16.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Information Science/Studies programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Information Science/Studies's typical career paths, with 68% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 19% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $25,000 represents roughly 10 months of the $31,390 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #126 of 129 Information Science/Studies programs, Northern Kentucky University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $65,863 show a 110% jump from the $31,390 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Northern Kentucky University

With 96% of applicants admitted, Northern Kentucky University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 8,065 in Highland Heights, KY. The average net cost of $28,672 over four years represents a 34% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Kentucky 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 Northern Kentucky University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Information Science/Studies at Northern Kentucky University?

This program scores 50/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Information Science/Studies programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.

Will AI replace Information Science/Studies careers?

With 68% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $597,384 in decade earnings vs $741,405 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with Information Science/Studies from Northern Kentucky University?

First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.

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