Management Information Systems and Services at Howard Payne University

For a Management Information Systems bachelor's degree, the estimated debt of roughly $26,500 against first-year earnings around $53,000 creates a manageable 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio—roughly half what the graduate would make in their first year. Based on comparable MIS programs in Texas, this sits right at the state median for earnings, though the debt load runs slightly higher than Texas's typical $20,500. The real challenge comes into focus when you look at what the state's flagship programs deliver: UT-Austin grads start at $87,000, Texas A&M at $71,000, and even regional alternatives like University of North Texas hit $64,000.

That $10,000+ annual earnings gap between this program and stronger state options compounds quickly over a career. While the debt picture itself isn't alarming—monthly payments would consume a reasonable portion of that $53,000 salary—parents should recognize they're likely paying similar tuition for meaningfully different employment outcomes. The 68% admission rate and modest test scores suggest Howard Payne serves students who may not have access to Texas's more selective programs, which matters when evaluating fit. If your child is choosing between this program and a more competitive Texas public university for MIS, the earnings data from peer programs suggests the flagship route offers substantially better return on investment.