Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
A Management Information Systems degree carries considerable weight in today's tech-driven business landscape, and Iowa State's program appears positioned to deliver strong returns. Based on comparable MIS programs nationally, graduates can expect starting salaries around $59,490, climbing to $75,272 by year four—a trajectory that outpaces many business-adjacent majors. That estimated $23,185 in debt translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39, meaning graduates would owe less than five months' salary.
What makes this picture encouraging is the consistency. Similar MIS programs across Iowa produce nearly identical starting outcomes (around $58,000), suggesting the field offers stable employment prospects regardless of which state institution you choose. The four-year earnings figure of $75,272 is actual data for Iowa State graduates, showing meaningful salary growth that validates the estimated starting point. For a technical business major at a large public university with an 89% admission rate, these numbers reflect the practical value employers place on combining IT skills with business acumen.
The caveat is that these earnings and debt figures are estimates drawn from peer programs, not tracked outcomes from Iowa State's MIS graduates specifically. Still, the field's consistency across institutions and the documented mid-career earnings suggest this program offers solid economic fundamentals—provided your student genuinely wants to work at the intersection of technology and business operations.
Where Iowa State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management information systems and services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa State University | — | $75,272 | — |
| Georgetown University | $83,756 | $113,090 | +35% |
| University of Notre Dame | $78,507 | $109,779 | +40% |
| Howard University | $78,544 | $103,418 | +32% |
| University of Northern Iowa | $58,197 | $79,033 | +36% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Management Information Systems and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (12 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Iowa State UniversityAmes | $10,497 | $59,490* | $75,272 | $23,185* | — |
 University of Northern IowaCedar Falls | $9,728 | $58,197* | $79,033 | $22,500* | 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 Iowa State University, approximately 18% 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 national median of 153 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.