Analysis
Pennsylvania's MIS programs show dramatic earnings variation, with top performers like Villanova hitting nearly $79,000 while others struggle below $52,000. DeSales sits in the middle of this pack—peer programs in the state suggest first-year earnings around $56,600, which trails the national median for this degree by about $3,000. That's not disastrous, but it's also not competitive when similarly-priced state schools might deliver comparable outcomes.
The estimated $26,600 in debt creates a manageable but unremarkable financial picture. The 0.47 debt-to-earnings ratio means roughly half of first-year income would cover the full debt burden—workable, but not the kind of strong return that stands out in a field where job prospects typically justify the investment. With nearly four times as many students attending Drexel's program and earning $16,000 more out of the gate, the value calculation here depends heavily on what DeSales offers beyond the raw numbers.
For a private school with a 79% admission rate, this estimated profile suggests a standard outcome: decent MIS preparation without exceptional placement power. If your child has specific reasons to choose DeSales—campus culture, location, particular faculty—the financial projections won't sink them. But if it's purely about career ROI in tech, the lack of standout earnings data compared to accessible alternatives warrants a hard look at whether the premium for this program delivers measurable advantages.
Where DeSales University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management information systems and services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Management Information Systems and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (25 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $44,800 | $56,616* | — | $26,581* | — | |
| $64,701 | $78,703* | $100,271 | —* | — | |
| $60,663 | $72,332* | $86,476 | $29,933* | 0.41 | |
| $22,082 | $59,385* | $70,478 | $27,000* | 0.45 | |
| $11,380 | $53,846* | $63,223 | $27,000* | 0.50 | |
| $13,544 | $51,195* | $69,621 | $26,900* | 0.53 | |
| 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 DeSales University, approximately 23% 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 median of 6 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.