Information Sciencesat San Francisco State University
Graduates earn $52,288/yr in their first year — about 16.0% below the national Information Sciences average. Base-case 10-year earnings $811K; scenarios range from $647K to $839K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at SF State
First-year earnings of $52,288 place San Francisco State University below the $62,617 national median for Information Sciences — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 27.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Information Sciences programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Information Sciences's typical career paths, with 69% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 23% gap from the optimistic case.
With first-year pay of $52,288 far exceeding the $18,750 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #152 of 443 Information Sciences programs, San Francisco State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $82,648 show a 58% jump from the $52,288 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.
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.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to SF State's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
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.
Peer schools offering Information Sciences
How SF State stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at SF State
Other highest-scoring programs offered at SF State, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Information Sciences offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Information Sciences trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Information Sciences at SF State
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Information Sciences at San Francisco State University?
This program scores 81/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Information Sciences nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Information Sciences careers?
With 69% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $646,776 in decade earnings vs $838,588 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Information Sciences from San Francisco State 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.