Analysis
Looking at comparable Management Information Systems programs in Illinois, the estimated $68,285 first-year salary aligns with the state median and sits comfortably above the national benchmark of $59,490. The estimated $26,581 in debt—derived from similar private institutions offering this bachelor's degree—produces a manageable 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio. This suggests graduates could reasonably pay off their loans within a few years while establishing their careers in IT management.
What's particularly relevant here is how Lewis compares to other Illinois MIS programs. The estimated earnings match what DePaul and Loyola graduates report, placing Lewis's program in the upper tier statewide. While University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign leads at $77,572, that nine-thousand-dollar difference may not outweigh other factors like location preference or campus fit. The estimated debt at Lewis runs slightly higher than Illinois's $21,758 median for this major, likely reflecting its private institution status, but remains reasonable given the projected earning power.
The fundamentals look sound: strong estimated earnings relative to borrowing, and a field with solid job market demand. Keep in mind these figures are extrapolated from peer programs rather than Lewis's actual outcomes, so there's inherent uncertainty. Still, MIS degrees typically translate well to employment, and the estimated metrics suggest this path could work financially for students committed to the IT field.
Where Lewis University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management information systems and services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Management Information Systems and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (19 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,882 | $68,285* | — | $26,581* | — | |
| $16,004 | $77,572* | $96,374 | $19,500* | 0.25 | |
| $44,460 | $68,769* | $86,686 | $24,016* | 0.35 | |
| $51,716 | $67,801* | $92,499 | $24,500* | 0.36 | |
| $16,021 | $52,887* | $79,687 | $16,250* | 0.31 | |
| 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 Lewis University, approximately 31% 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 4 similar programs in IL. Actual outcomes may vary.