Management Information Systems and Services at Bemidji State University

Drawing on what comparable MIS programs typically produce nationally, this degree shows a favorable debt-to-earnings balance. At an estimated $23,185 in debt against first-year earnings around $59,490, graduates would face manageable loan payments—roughly 39% of that initial salary. That's well within the healthy range for a technology-focused bachelor's degree.

The challenge here is positioning. Similar programs in Minnesota tend to run slightly higher in both earnings (median $62,168) and debt (median $25,868), and peer schools like Winona State report outcomes above $64,000. Bemidji State's estimated figures sit at the national median, which is respectable for an MIS program but suggests graduates may need to compete harder for the better-paying positions that justify this degree. The school's moderately selective profile and smaller tech-sector presence in northern Minnesota could influence immediate job prospects.

For a family weighing this investment, the fundamentals look sound—the estimated debt load won't be crushing, and MIS degrees generally lead to stable employment. The uncertainty lies in whether Bemidji's specific program matches the national pattern or underperforms slightly like the comparison to other Minnesota schools suggests. If your student has clear ties to the region or values Bemidji's environment, the risk seems reasonable. If they're mobile and career-focused, exploring the higher-performing Minnesota programs might be worth the comparison shopping.