Management Information Systems and Services at Illinois State University

Illinois State's MIS program starts students at $53,000—roughly $15,000 below both the national median and Illinois average—but delivers impressive 51% earnings growth to nearly $80,000 by year four. Among Illinois's 19 MIS programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile for starting salaries, meaning three-quarters of competing in-state options launch graduates into stronger initial positions. DePaul and Loyola grads, for instance, begin $15,000 ahead.

The good news is debt: at $16,250, it's substantially lower than Illinois's typical $21,758 and represents less than a third of first-year earnings—an exceptionally manageable burden. The strong earnings trajectory suggests graduates eventually reach competitive territory, catching up to peers who started ahead. However, those first few years earning below market rate have real costs, from delayed savings to reduced early career negotiating power.

For families prioritizing affordability and willing to accept a slower start, this works—the low debt provides breathing room while earnings accelerate. But if your student has the credentials for UIUC (which starts grads $25,000 higher) or comparable options, the opportunity cost of those early low-earning years likely outweighs the modest debt savings. The 89% admission rate signals accessibility, but the earnings data suggests you're trading entry convenience for initial market positioning.