Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 suggests manageable borrowing for a technical business degree, though the actual outcomes for Bethel's MIS graduates remain unclear due to suppressed data. National peer programs in this field typically produce first-year earnings around $59,490, with graduates carrying about $24,000 in debt—figures that would represent solid preparation for IT and business analyst roles. Minnesota programs tend to perform slightly better, with the state median reaching $62,168, meaning Bethel could potentially outperform these national estimates.
The uncertainty here matters because MIS programs vary significantly in their technical rigor and industry connections. Reported outcomes from Winona State ($64,613) and Augsburg ($59,722) show this range within Minnesota itself. Whether Bethel's program leans toward the stronger database management and systems analysis skills that command higher salaries, or focuses more on general business technology, will substantially affect your child's earning potential. The school's 91% admission rate and modest SAT scores suggest a less selective environment, which sometimes—though not always—correlates with lighter technical coursework.
Before committing to estimated debt of $26,581, investigate what distinguishes Bethel's curriculum: Do students complete meaningful internships with Twin Cities tech employers? What programming languages and database platforms do they master? The difference between a rigorous MIS program and a superficial one is often the difference between competing for $65,000 analyst positions versus settling for $45,000 help desk roles.
Where Bethel University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management information systems and services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Management Information Systems and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $42,930 | $59,490* | — | $26,581* | — | |
| $10,498 | $64,613* | — | $27,000* | 0.42 | |
| $43,942 | $59,722* | — | $24,737* | 0.41 | |
| National Median | — | $59,490* | — | $24,000* | 0.40 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with management information systems and services graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Computer Programmers
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Bethel University, approximately 19% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 153 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.