Information Sciencesat University of South Carolina-Columbia
Graduates earn $68,597/yr in their first year — about 10.0% above the national Information Sciences average. Base-case 10-year earnings $801K; scenarios range from $641K to $828K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of South Carolina
At $68,597 per year, Information Sciences graduates from University of South Carolina-Columbia earn slightly above the $62,617 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 15.8x 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.
The median debt load of $23,250 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.
At #122 of 443 Information Sciences programs, University of South Carolina-Columbia scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Earnings grow from $68,597 to $87,069 over five years — a 27% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.
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 South Carolina'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 University of South Carolina stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of South Carolina
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of South Carolina, 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 University of South Carolina
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Information Sciences at University of South Carolina-Columbia?
This program scores 83/100 — 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 $641,348 in decade earnings vs $828,167 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.