Management Information Systems and Services at Fairfield University

Four years out, this program's graduates earn $87,329—a tangible data point that suggests strong mid-career momentum. The earlier figures are less certain: first-year earnings estimated at $62,538 track closely with Connecticut's MIS median, while estimated debt of $26,581 comes from comparing Fairfield to similar private institutions nationally. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 falls comfortably below the concerning 1.0 threshold, meaning graduates would typically dedicate less than half their first-year salary to debt—manageable territory.

The real question is whether Fairfield's premium justifies choosing it over state alternatives where actual outcomes are visible. Central Connecticut State reports first-year earnings of $65,486 with likely lower debt given its public status. Fairfield's advantage lies in that documented four-year number, which substantially outpaces both the state and national medians. For families who can afford the private school price tag without excessive borrowing, that trajectory matters. The school's 7% Pell Grant rate signals a predominantly affluent student body, suggesting financial aid may be limited for middle-income families.

The safest interpretation: if your financial aid package keeps debt near or below the estimated $26,581, you're betting on Fairfield's outcomes matching its stronger peer programs. If aid falls short and you're staring at $35,000+ in loans, the documented success of Connecticut's public MIS programs deserves serious consideration—their graduates land solidly employed without the premium price.