Computer and Information Sciences, 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
Why Computer and Information Sciences, Other. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 42.9%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Computer and Information Sciences, Other. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $55016 and average student debt of $23619, the financial outlook for Computer and Information Sciences, Other. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
Wondering if Computer and Information Sciences, Other. is right for you? This degree is designed for students who want both knowledge and practical experience. Most graduates see starting salaries near $55016, and the average student debt is $23619, with a debt-to-income ratio of 0.43—a strong position for financial independence.
With an annual graduating class of 105098 students, you’ll be part of a dynamic student body. Many students go on to become Computer and Information Research Scientists, a role with a projected 20.0% growth rate. 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, Other. delivers. Take advantage of every resource your school offers to maximize your success!
Degree Overview
Computer and Information Sciences, Other (CIP 11.0199) is a flexible and multi-disciplinary field that covers emerging technologies and specialized technical 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, 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
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
Topics You May Explore
Depending on the program focus, coursework often includes:
- Advanced Operating Systems: Mastering Windows, Linux, and Virtualization.
- Digital Forensics: Learning how to recover and analyze data for legal cases.
- Human-Computer Interaction (HCI): Studying how people use technology.
- Information Security: Protecting networks from cyber-attacks.
- IT Governance: Learning the laws and rules for managing data.
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: Leading teams to finish tech goals on time.
- Digital Forensics Analyst: Working with law enforcement to solve cybercrimes.
- Systems Administrator: Keeping a company's servers and networks healthy.
- IT Compliance Officer: Ensuring a company follows data privacy laws.
- Technical Support Engineer: Solving the hardest hardware and software problems.
Where Can You Work?
Professionals in this field are found in every sector of the modern economy:
- Tech Giants: Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta.
- Government Agencies: Such as the FBI, NSA, or local municipalities.
- Financial Institutions: Working in security and audit roles for banks.
- Healthcare Systems: Managing electronic medical records and patient privacy.
- Consulting Firms: Helping different clients fix their technical issues.
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: Median annual salary of approximately $80,000–$95,000.
- Digital Forensics Analysts: Median annual salary of around $85,000–$110,000.
- IT Project Managers: Salaries typically range from $95,000 to $130,000.
- IT Directors: With experience, salaries can exceed $150,000.
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 technology changes every few years.
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
How to Prepare in High School
- Take classes in Computer Science, Mathematics, and Logic
- Join a coding club, robotics team, or e-sports group
- Experiment with building your own PC or managing a home network
- Practice "clear communication"—the ability to explain a technical process to others
- Look into earning basic certifications like CompTIA A+ while still in school
A logical mind, a passion for technology, and a desire to solve complex digital puzzles are the most important qualities for success in this field.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor