Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 positions this program reasonably well among bachelor's degrees, though both the earnings and debt figures come from national benchmarks rather than Dordt's own graduates. Similar MIS programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $59,500—a solid starting point for a technical business field—while the estimated $26,600 in debt sits slightly above the national median for these programs. The University of Northern Iowa, Iowa's only MIS program with reported data, shows graduates earning $58,200, closely tracking the statewide median, which gives some confidence that Iowa's tech job market supports these salary levels.
What's less certain is whether Dordt's smaller program and rural location affect outcomes differently than the national pattern suggests. The school's 18% Pell grant rate indicates a relatively affluent student body, which often correlates with better networking opportunities and financial cushions during job searches. However, Sioux Center's distance from Iowa's tech hubs in Des Moines or Cedar Rapids could mean graduates need geographic flexibility to access the strongest opportunities in this field.
The estimated debt load would require about 45% of first-year gross earnings to repay—manageable but not negligible. If your student values Dordt's specific faith-based environment and curriculum, these estimates suggest a workable financial path, but you'll want to verify actual job placement rates and alumni career trajectories since the suppressed data means we're working with educated guesses rather than this program's track record.
Where Dordt University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management information systems and services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Management Information Systems and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (12 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,960 | $59,490* | — | $26,581* | — | |
| $9,728 | $58,197* | $79,033 | $22,500* | 0.39 | |
| 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 Dordt University, approximately 18% 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.