Analysis
Drexel's MIS program commands one of the highest starting salaries in Pennsylvania—$72,332 puts it in the 80th percentile among the state's 25 programs and roughly $16,000 above the state median. Nationally, it performs even better, ranking in the 93rd percentile. Only Villanova edges ahead in PA, and the gap narrows quickly: by year four, Drexel grads earn $86,476, showing steady 20% growth. The debt picture strengthens the case further. At roughly $30,000, graduates carry just 5% more debt than Pennsylvania peers while earning substantially more, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41—low enough that most grads could realistically pay off their loans within two years of full-time work.
The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means individual outcomes may vary more than at larger programs, but the fundamentals here are solid. Drexel's co-op program likely contributes to both the strong starting salaries and the manageable debt, since students typically graduate with significant work experience. For families weighing in-state options, this represents one of the clearest ROI plays in Pennsylvania's MIS landscape—you're paying slightly more than state median debt but getting top-tier outcomes in return.
Where Drexel University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management information systems and services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Drexel University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drexel University | $72,332 | $86,476 | +20% |
| Villanova University | $78,703 | $100,271 | +27% |
| Temple University | $59,385 | $70,478 | +19% |
| Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania | $51,195 | $69,621 | +36% |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus | $53,846 | $63,223 | +17% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia | $60,663 | $72,332 | $86,476 | $29,933 | 0.41 |
 Villanova UniversityVillanova | $64,701 | $78,703 | $100,271 | — | — |
 Temple UniversityPhiladelphia | $22,082 | $59,385 | $70,478 | $27,000 | 0.45 |
 Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main CampusIndiana | $11,380 | $53,846 | $63,223 | $27,000 | 0.50 |
 Shippensburg University of PennsylvaniaShippensburg | $13,544 | $51,195 | $69,621 | $26,900 | 0.53 |
 York College of PennsylvaniaYork | $24,606 | $44,936 | — | $27,000 | 0.60 |
| 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 Drexel University, approximately 25% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 72 graduates with reported earnings and 67 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.