Information Scienceat University of Maryland-College Park
Graduates earn $70,344/yr in their first year — about 18.0% above the national Information Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,028K; scenarios range from $775K to $1,076K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Maryland-College Park
Your strong earnings potential from Maryland's iSchool isn't just about the curriculum; it's about geography. Being on the doorstep of Washington D.C. places you in the heart of the nation's public-private tech corridor. You'll have a direct pipeline to federal agencies, defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, and major consulting firms, all hungry for professionals who can manage complex data systems and secure sensitive information. The program's blend of technical skills and human-centered design makes you a versatile hire, able to work as a UX designer, a data analyst, or a cybersecurity specialist. To stand out, lean into the high-demand specializations like cybersecurity or data science. Pursuing a security clearance while you're a student can also give you a massive advantage in this unique regional job market, opening doors that are closed to most graduates.
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 University of Maryland-College Park'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 Science
How University of Maryland-College Park stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Maryland-College Park
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Maryland-College Park, 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 →Frequently asked about Information Science at University of Maryland-College Park
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Information Science at University of Maryland-College Park?
This program scores 84/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Information Science nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Information Science careers?
With 68% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $774,856 in decade earnings vs $1,075,747 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of Maryland-College Park's Information Science program stand out?
Ranked #6 of 129 programs nationally, University of Maryland-College Park lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.