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Information Science at Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Information Science/Studies
62 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
63
Optimistic
62
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $102,998/yr (73% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (68% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (221,900 openings/yr)
ROI 3.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #103 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 graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $1,001K $959K $735K
Earnings Multiple 3.8x 3.6x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 74% 68% 39%
DegreeOutlook Score 63 62 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$263,988
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$108,572
59% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,425
1.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Northwestern University Information Science graduates command $102,998/yr out of the gate, well above the $59,433 national median. That 73% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

The 3.6x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 68% task exposure — and the 27% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $11,425 in median debt clears quickly against $102,998 in annual earnings.

At #103 out of 129 programs, Northwestern University's financial outcomes for Information Science trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Northwestern University

Only 7% of applicants gain admission to Northwestern University, reflecting elite selectivity, enrolling 8,960 students in Evanston, IL. The average net cost of $108,572 over four years represents a 59% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Northwestern 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

Compare this program → View all 129 schools offering Information Science →

Information Science at Other Schools

Norwich University ($98,551) Excelsior University ($88,713) University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ($88,515) Boston College ($80,731) Albright College ($80,329) James Madison University ($80,173) Utah Valley University ($79,918) Drexel University ($78,755)

Other Majors at Northwestern University

Computer Science ($99,981) Applied Mathematics ($94,684) Industrial Engineering ($89,811) Economics ($84,932) Human Resources Management and Services ($82,255) Chemical Engineering ($80,709) Mathematics ($79,530) Statistics ($77,917)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Information Science trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

How does Northwestern University's Information Science program score?
A score of 62/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Northwestern University trails the majority of Information Science programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
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.
How affordable is Information Science at Northwestern University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $263,988, but the average net cost is $108,572 — a 59% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →