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Best Value Information Science/Studies Colleges in Pennsylvania

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Pennsylvania's Information Science programs show striking cost variation, with University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown offering the lowest net price at $18,952 while Drexel University commands $38,428. This price gap reflects different educational models serving the state's tech-heavy economy. Pennsylvania employers like Comcast, UPMC, and pharmaceutical giants create strong demand for information professionals who can manage data systems and digital infrastructure. Drexel graduates earn $70,829 annually, the highest among the 19 programs, while even the most affordable option at Pitt-Johnstown produces graduates earning $58,479. Public universities generally offer better value propositions, with in-state students at Slippery Rock paying just $10,507 after aid. The state's PA Grant program further reduces costs for residents, making quality Information Science education accessible across income levels.
19
Programs
$18,952 – $38,428
Net Price Range
$58,996
Avg. Program Earnings
68.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Information Science/Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $18,952 $58,479 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
2 $21,360 $65,355 $13,920
3 $21,664 $63,005 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
4 $19,524 $45,145 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
5 $26,198 $57,318 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
6 $25,747 $53,358 $34,940 65.6% 93.8%
7 $30,074 $58,479 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
8 $38,428 $70,829 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
9 $33,549 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
10 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
11 $29,464 $28,550 64.5% 69.7%
12 $35,487 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%
13 $30,528 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
14 $23,206 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
15 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
16 $22,746 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
17 $28,163 $45,683 68.2% 88.9%
18 $30,470 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
19 $27,700 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Drexel University's high earnings despite the expensive tuition?

Drexel graduates earn $70,829 annually, the highest in Pennsylvania's Information Science programs, justifying the $38,428 net cost. The university's co-op program places students in paid positions at major Philadelphia employers, building professional networks before graduation. With a 77.10% graduation rate and strong industry connections, Drexel provides career outcomes that offset the initial investment.

How do public universities compare to private colleges for value?

Public options like University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown ($18,952 net) and Slippery Rock ($19,524 net) offer the lowest costs while maintaining solid earnings potential. Pitt-Johnstown graduates earn $58,479, providing excellent return on investment. In-state students at Slippery Rock pay just $10,507 after aid, making it one of the most affordable paths to an Information Science degree.

Is the graduation rate gap significant between expensive and affordable programs?

Graduation rates vary considerably, from 42.20% at Albright College to 89.20% at Lehigh University. However, some affordable options perform well - University of Pittsburgh's main campus achieves 84.30% despite reasonable costs. The correlation between price and completion rates isn't absolute, as factors like student support and academic preparation matter equally.

Where do Pennsylvania Information Science graduates typically find employment?

Pennsylvania's economy offers strong opportunities in healthcare informatics with UPMC, telecommunications with Comcast, and pharmaceutical data management. The state's finance sector in Philadelphia also hires information professionals for risk analysis and digital banking systems. Technology consulting firms throughout the state actively recruit graduates, with starting salaries ranging from $45,145 to $70,829 depending on location and specialization.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.