Est. Earnings (1yr)
$56,650
Est. from NC median (3 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$23,551
Est. from NC median (3 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable MIS programs in North Carolina, students at Fayetteville State can expect first-year earnings around $56,650 against estimated debt of $23,551โ€”a manageable 0.42 ratio that puts their annual salary at more than double their total borrowing. This positions them right at the state median for the field, though about $5,000 below the national benchmark of $59,490. Given that over half of FSU students receive Pell grants, this represents a viable path into technology careers for students who might not have access to more selective programs.

The earnings estimate comes from just three North Carolina MIS programs, which means there's inherent uncertainty in projecting outcomes for this specific program. However, the broader picture is encouraging: even the lower-performing comparable program (Western Carolina at $47,867) still produces a debt ratio under 0.50, and MIS graduates nationally tend to see steady salary growth as they gain experience. The field itself remains strong, with 454 programs nationwide training students for roles that blend business acumen with technical skills.

For families weighing this investment, the math works if your student is genuinely interested in the intersection of technology and business operations. The debt load is reasonable, the estimated starting salary exceeds North Carolina's median household income, and FSU's accessible admissions serve students who may be building tech careers from scratch. Just recognize you're working with peer program estimates rather than FSU's own track record.

Where Fayetteville State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all management information systems and services bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

Management Information Systems and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (8 total in state)

Scroll to see more โ†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Fayetteville State UniversityFayetteville$3,969$56,650*โ€”$23,551*โ€”
East Carolina UniversityGreenville$7,361$61,914*$68,973$25,783*0.42
Appalachian State UniversityBoone$7,541$56,650*$74,624$23,551*0.42
Western Carolina UniversityCullowhee$4,532$47,867*$60,008$23,000*0.48
National Medianโ€”$59,490*โ€”$24,000*0.40
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with management information systems and services graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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 Fayetteville State University, approximately 53% 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 3 similar programs in NC. Actual outcomes may vary.