Management Information Systems and Services at Catawba College

Drawing on outcomes from the three other North Carolina MIS programs, this degree appears to position graduates near the middle of the state pack with estimated first-year earnings around $56,650. That tracks just below the national median of $59,490 for this field, though the estimated debt load of $26,581—derived from similar private colleges nationally—runs slightly higher than the state's typical $23,551.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 suggests manageable repayment, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary. For context, East Carolina University's MIS graduates earn about $5,000 more their first year out, though comparable programs in North Carolina show that entry-level salaries in this field vary considerably depending on the employer and location. The technology skills gained in an MIS program generally travel well in North Carolina's growing finance and tech sectors around Charlotte and the Research Triangle.

What matters most here is understanding that these figures reflect statewide patterns rather than Catawba-specific outcomes. If your child thrives in smaller classroom settings and values Catawba's liberal arts environment, the estimated financial picture appears workable—but confirming actual placement rates and employer connections would help validate whether this particular program delivers the networking and internship opportunities that often determine starting salaries in tech-adjacent fields.