Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations: degree ROI, salary & best colleges
Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations graduates earn a median $75,803 four years after finishing — $27,443/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline. At a typical $16,902/yr net price ($67,608 over four years), that pays back in about 2.5 years. Federal data pools 32 bachelor's programs graduating roughly 1,304 students a year. (Scorecard field-of-study, 2026 · our math.)
Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations ranks #58 of 202 bachelor's fields by earnings — pays more than 72% of majors.
| # | College | State | Grad earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mercyhurst University | PA | $86,597 |
| 2 | Norwich University | VT | $85,184 |
| 3 | Maryville University of Saint Louis | MO | $84,342 |
| 4 | Coastal Carolina University | SC | $56,863 |
College Scorecard field-of-study (2026), program-level median earnings for this CIP · our ranking.
How we compute this. Earnings are the national median for graduates of this field measured 1 and 4 years after completion (Scorecard field-of-study, bachelor's). Premium = 4-year earnings − the $48,360 high-school baseline. Payback = a representative 4-year net cost (median college net price × 4) ÷ premium. Field medians blend every school — a specific program can pay far more or less. Full method on the methodology page; the field ranking is on ROI by major.
How fast does Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations pay grow after graduation?
From $64,071 one year out to $75,803 four years out — a $11,732 climb, or 18% over three years. Both are federal medians of the same graduating cohorts, so the gap reflects real wage progression rather than a change in who is measured.
How many students graduate in Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations each year?
About 1,304 bachelor's graduates a year across 32 programs in the federal file. Cohort size matters when reading the median: a field this size averages across a wide range of employers, regions and job titles.