Analysis
Management Information Systems programs across Texas produce vastly different outcomes, and East Texas A&M's estimated figures place it squarely in the middle of the pack. While comparable programs in the state suggest first-year earnings around $53,000 against roughly $20,000 in debt—a reasonable 0.38 ratio—this falls well short of what flagship universities deliver. UT Austin MIS graduates earn $87,000, and even regional competitors like UNT hit $64,000. That $12,000-$34,000 gap compounds significantly over a career.
The estimated $20,000 debt burden is manageable for tech-oriented business roles, but the core question is whether Commerce's program provides the recruiting pipelines and technical rigor that justify choosing it over alternatives. With a 93% admission rate and modest SAT average, this isn't a selective program, which often correlates with fewer corporate partnerships and weaker alumni networks in competitive fields like MIS. Given that Houston-area and Dallas-Fort Worth schools show stronger earning patterns, geography likely matters here—Commerce sits an hour from either metro, potentially limiting internship access during the school year.
For families who need to stay local or value the lower debt load, these estimates suggest a functional if unspectacular investment. But students with competitive profiles should compare job placement rates and employer relationships directly, as peer program data can only tell you so much about whether this specific program will open doors at the companies where MIS graduates actually want to work.
Where East Texas A&M University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management information systems and services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Management Information Systems and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (40 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,026 | $52,836* | — | $20,000* | — | |
| $11,678 | $86,622* | $96,963 | $19,000* | 0.22 | |
| $13,099 | $71,032* | — | $19,500* | 0.27 | |
| $54,844 | $70,873* | $93,275 | $24,000* | 0.34 | |
| $9,711 | $65,574* | $75,533 | $16,750* | 0.26 | |
| $11,164 | $64,441* | $77,222 | $20,970* | 0.33 | |
| 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 East Texas A&M University, approximately 41% 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 15 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.