Analysis
Liberty's MIS program carries $28,521 in typical debt—higher than most associate degree programs nationally—while comparable programs across the country suggest first-year earnings around $46,000. That debt load isn't catastrophic (the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 means graduates would owe roughly seven months' salary), but it's worth comparing to community college alternatives that might deliver similar credentials for half the cost.
The challenge here is uncertainty. Because Liberty's graduate sample is too small for the Department of Education to report actual outcomes, we're relying on what similar two-year MIS programs produce nationally. The $46,000 estimate comes from just 11 programs nationwide—a limited sample that may not reflect what Liberty's specific curriculum and student population achieve. Given that 39% of students receive Pell grants and nearly everyone who applies is admitted, outcomes could vary significantly from these peer benchmarks.
For an associate degree, these estimated numbers suggest reasonable earning potential if they hold true, but the debt is on the higher end. Before committing, get Liberty to share their actual job placement rates and typical starting salaries for this specific program. If they can't provide concrete evidence that their graduates match or beat that $46,000 estimate, consider whether a lower-cost option might deliver similar credentials with less financial risk.
Where Liberty University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management information systems and services associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Management Information Systems and Services associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $21,222 | $46,337* | — | $28,521 | — | |
| $3,914 | $50,948* | — | $9,500 | 0.19 | |
| $12,715 | $46,337* | $46,291 | $27,387 | 0.59 | |
| $15,117 | $46,337* | $46,291 | $27,387 | 0.59 | |
| $10,899 | $46,337* | $46,291 | $27,387 | 0.59 | |
| $13,546 | $46,337* | $46,291 | $27,387 | 0.59 | |
| National Median | — | $46,337* | — | $27,387 | 0.59 |
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 Liberty University, approximately 39% 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 11 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.