Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other.: The DTI for this program is 52.6%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $42785) to the average debt ($22484) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 52.6%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($42785) against the typical student debt ($22484), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Wondering if Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other. is right for you? This degree is designed for students who want both knowledge and practical experience. Most graduates see starting salaries near $42785, and the average student debt is $22484, with a debt-to-income ratio of 0.53—which is typical for many fields.
With an annual graduating class of 2000 students, you’ll be part of a dynamic student body. Whether you’re looking for upward mobility, a chance to innovate, or a degree that’s respected in the job market, Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other. delivers. Take advantage of every resource your school offers to maximize your success!
Degree Overview
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other (CIP 11.9999) is a flexible and multi-disciplinary field that covers emerging technologies and specialized technical support roles that do not fit into traditional categories like software engineering or network administration. This "Other" designation is frequently used for cutting-edge programs in fields such as digital forensics, high-performance computing, specialized IT project management, or the management of complex data centers.
This degree is ideal for students who are "tech-generalists" or those who want to specialize in a very specific niche of the digital world. It is a path for problem-solvers who enjoy the technical challenge of computing but also want to understand how technology integrates with business, law, or science.
What Is a Computer and Information Sciences (Other) Degree?
A Computer and Information Sciences (Other) degree focuses on the application of computing power to solve specific, complex problems. Because technology evolves faster than educational categories, this CIP code often houses programs that deal with the "human" and "operational" side of technology. This includes things like user experience (UX) research, the ethics of artificial intelligence, or the logistical support of massive information systems. It bridges the gap between the people who write code and the organizations that rely on it to survive.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train specialists for niche IT roles like "Systems Auditor" or "Technology Transition Manager"
- Prepare students to manage the physical and digital infrastructure of modern corporations
- Address emerging threats through specialized cybersecurity and digital investigation tracks
- Provide a flexible technical foundation for students interested in "cross-over" careers like Legal Tech or Health Tech
This structure emphasizes adaptability, technical troubleshooting, and systems thinking.
What Will You Learn?
Students in these programs learn how to manage the lifecycle of information—from how it is stored and protected to how it is used to make decisions.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Diagnose and repair complex hardware and software system failures
- Implement and manage security protocols to protect sensitive data
- Use "Cloud" architecture to scale business operations
- Manage technical projects using methodologies like Agile or Scrum
- Translate "tech-speak" into clear instructions for non-technical users
- Conduct forensic audits of digital systems to find errors or security breaches
These skills make graduates the "Swiss Army Knives" of the IT world, capable of stepping into almost any technical environment.
Topics You May Explore
Depending on the program focus, coursework often includes:
- Advanced Operating Systems and Virtualization
- Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation
- Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
- Database Management and Big Data Analytics
- IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC)
- Cloud Computing Infrastructure (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
- Ethics and Policy in Information Technology
- Specialized Technical Support and Help Desk Management
This curriculum ensures that students understand both the "bits and bytes" and the "policies and people" that make technology work.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A degree in this "Other" category leads to essential roles that keep the digital world running smoothly behind the scenes.
Common job roles include:
- IT Project Manager
- Digital Forensics Analyst
- Systems Administrator or Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)
- IT Compliance Officer
- User Experience (UX) Specialist
- Data Center Operations Manager
- Technical Support Engineer (Tier 3)
- Information Systems Auditor
Because of the broad nature of the training, graduates often have the flexibility to move between different tech sectors throughout their careers.
Where Can You Work?
Professionals in this field are found in every sector of the modern economy:
- Tech Giants (Google, Amazon, Microsoft)
- Government Agencies (FBI, NSA, or local municipalities)
- Financial Institutions and Banks (in security and audit roles)
- Healthcare Systems (managing electronic medical records and privacy)
- Military and Defense Contractors
- Educational Institutions (managing campus-wide networks and security)
- Private Consulting Firms
- EdTech and Fintech Startups
These environments value individuals who can keep systems online and secure while adapting to new software and hardware daily.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings in the computer sciences are among the highest in the labor market, and specialized "support and service" roles are no exception.
- Systems Administrators and IT Managers typically earn between $75,000 and $115,000.
- Digital Forensics Analysts can earn between $80,000 and $125,000, especially in the private sector.
- IT Project Managers often see salaries ranging from $90,000 to $140,000.
- Cloud Architects and Compliance Officers frequently earn six-figure salaries, sometimes exceeding $150,000 with experience.
Certifications (such as CISSP, PMP, or AWS Certified Architect) are often the "keys" to unlocking higher pay brackets in this field.
Is This Degree Hard?
The coursework is technically rigorous. You will need a solid foundation in logic and a willingness to learn basic scripting or programming. However, it is often less "math-heavy" than a pure Computer Science degree, focusing more on the application and management of systems than on advanced calculus and algorithm theory.
Success requires a "lifelong learner" mindset, as your knowledge will need to be updated every few years as technology changes.
Degree Levels and Learning Formats
Programs are available at every level to suit different entry points:
- Associate Degrees and Certificates are excellent for quick entry into help desk or technician roles.
- Bachelor’s Degrees are the standard requirement for most management and analyst positions.
- Master’s Degrees (M.S. in IT Management) are for those aiming for executive leadership roles like CTO or CIO.
Because the subject is technology, these programs are leaders in online and hybrid learning, allowing students to build their skills in the same digital environment where they will eventually work.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Are the "go-to" person when family or friends have tech problems
- Enjoy taking things apart to see how they work
- Like the idea of a career that combines technology with business or law
- Are organized, logical, and detail-oriented
- Want a high-paying job that offers the potential for remote work
- Enjoy staying on the "cutting edge" of new app and gadget releases
It is the perfect path for the "tech-leader" who wants to ensure that the digital systems we rely on are fast, safe, and effective.
How to Prepare in High School
Students interested in computer and information sciences can prepare by:
- Taking classes in Computer Science, Mathematics, and Logic
- Joining a coding club, robotics team, or e-sports group
- Experimenting with building your own PC or managing a home network
- Practicing "clear communication"—the ability to explain a technical process to someone who doesn't understand it
- Earning basic entry-level certifications like CompTIA A+ while still in school
You do not need to be a "genius coder" to start. A logical mind, a passion for technology, and a desire to solve complex digital puzzles are the most important qualities for success.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor