Management Information Systems and Services at Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University's MIS program starts graduates at earnings well below expectations—$45,207 is roughly $15,000 less than the Florida median and sits in just the 25th percentile among state MIS programs. That's a significant gap when peer programs at Florida State and USF are launching graduates into substantially higher starting salaries. The relatively low debt of $17,929 softens the blow somewhat, but it doesn't change the reality that this program underperforms its in-state competitors by a wide margin.

The encouraging part is the growth trajectory: earnings jump 45% by year four to reach $65,403, which approaches what top Florida programs deliver at graduation. This suggests the program may provide solid technical fundamentals that employers eventually recognize and reward, even if the initial career placement network isn't as strong as it could be. Still, those first few years matter—starting behind means your child will be playing catch-up on everything from rent to retirement savings while their peers from other Florida schools build financial momentum.

For families considering this program, the question becomes whether the lower debt and eventual earnings recovery justify starting $10,000-15,000 behind comparable Florida graduates. If your child has stronger in-state options at FSU or USF, those would likely provide better value. If FAU is the affordable choice due to location or aid packages, the program can work, but understand you're banking on that year-four growth materializing.