Analysis
In West Virginia's small market for Management Information Systems degrees, peer programs suggest starting salaries around $59,000—modestly below the state median of $62,000 but squarely in line with national norms for this credential. With just three schools offering this degree in the state, Marshall operates in a tight competitive landscape where West Virginia University's graduates report earning about $2,600 more in their first year, though Marshall's open-admission model serves a different student population.
The estimated debt load of $23,000 creates a manageable 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning a graduate would owe less than five months of their first year's salary. This falls comfortably below the national debt figure of $24,000 and suggests reasonable borrowing relative to MIS earning potential. For comparison, typical programs in this field produce outcomes that allow graduates to service their loans without financial strain—a bachelor's in MIS remains one of the more practical business-oriented degrees for return on investment.
The catch: Marshall's actual graduate outcomes aren't publicly available due to small cohort sizes, so these figures come from comparable programs nationally. If you're considering this program, connect directly with the business school to understand recent graduate placement rates and whether tech recruiters actively hire from Marshall. The fundamentals look sound for an MIS degree, but local employer relationships matter as much as the credential itself in a state with limited tech infrastructure.
Where Marshall University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management information systems and services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in West Virginia
Management Information Systems and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in West Virginia (3 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,942 | $59,490* | — | $23,185* | — | |
| $9,648 | $62,127* | $83,671 | $21,501* | 0.35 | |
| 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 Marshall University, approximately 38% 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.