Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 suggests manageable student loan payments, but the limited data here requires caution. With too few graduates to report outcomes, we're relying on what similar MIS programs in Alabama typically produce—around $56,800 in first-year earnings against $26,600 in debt. That's slightly below the national median for this degree, though the debt load is typical for private institutions.
The comparison to Alabama's larger public universities is sobering. The University of Alabama's MIS graduates earn around $74,000—nearly $17,000 more than what peer programs suggest Faulkner's graduates might expect. Even regional schools like University of North Alabama report outcomes near the state median. The real question is whether Faulkner's smaller program offers advantages (like personalized attention or specific industry connections) that compensate for potentially lower earnings and higher debt than public alternatives.
For families considering this program, the core challenge is uncertainty. The estimation methods can't capture what makes Faulkner's specific program stronger or weaker than its Alabama peers. Before committing, ask the school directly about recent graduate outcomes, employer relationships, and job placement rates. The numbers suggest this could work financially, but only if the actual outcomes match or exceed what similar programs deliver.
Where Faulkner University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management information systems and services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
Management Information Systems and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (12 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $23,920 | $56,802* | — | $26,581* | — | |
| $11,900 | $74,078* | $95,503 | $21,875* | 0.30 | |
| $8,832 | $57,778* | $62,629 | $27,901* | 0.48 | |
| $11,990 | $55,826* | $47,612 | $24,250* | 0.43 | |
| $11,770 | $52,769* | $75,743 | $20,500* | 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 Faulkner University, approximately 44% 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 4 similar programs in AL. Actual outcomes may vary.