Management Information Systems and Services at Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan's MIS program starts graduates at $55K—about $8K below the state median and $5K under the national benchmark. While those first-year numbers lag behind nearby competitors like Central Michigan ($68K) and Oakland University ($65K), the trajectory improves significantly. By year four, earnings jump to nearly $79K, representing 43% growth that suggests graduates find their footing in Michigan's tech sector.

The debt picture offers some relief here: at $27,500, borrowing sits right at the state median and remains manageable relative to first-year earnings (0.50 ratio). For families seeking an affordable entry point into tech, particularly given EMU's 81% admission rate and substantial Pell grant population, this program provides access without crushing debt. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked) means these figures could shift considerably year to year.

The core question is whether starting behind justifies the lower cost. If your student can secure strong internships and leverage Michigan's automotive and healthcare IT sectors, the earnings gap narrows over time. But families banking on immediate post-graduation income to service loans should recognize that EMU graduates will likely earn $10K-15K less than peers from top Michigan programs in those crucial early years.