Analysis
Is a Management Information Systems degree from Millikin worth $26,581 in borrowing? The estimated debt figure sits above both the state and national medians for this field, while first-year earnings based on comparable Illinois programs appear solid at $68,285. That puts the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.39—meaning graduates would owe roughly five months of their first-year salary. The four-year earnings jump to $83,239 suggests healthy income growth, though this trajectory isn't guaranteed for Millikin's specific program.
The real question is whether Millikin delivers outcomes closer to DePaul and Loyola (around $68K) or Illinois State ($53K)—a gap that would dramatically affect whether the estimated debt load makes sense. Millikin's 54% admission rate and mid-range SAT scores place it somewhere in the middle of Illinois's competitive landscape, but without actual graduate outcomes, you're making an educated guess based on peer programs. The estimated $26,581 debt becomes much more manageable if earnings land near the state median, but considerably less attractive if they fall toward the lower end of the range.
Given the uncertainty, this program makes most sense for students who have strong reasons to choose Millikin specifically—campus fit, scholarship offers, or career services that could boost placement outcomes. The fundamentals of MIS degrees are generally sound, but you're paying a premium compared to state median debt without concrete proof of what Millikin's graduates actually earn.
Where Millikin 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millikin University | — | $83,239 | — |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $77,572 | $96,374 | +24% |
| Loyola University Chicago | $67,801 | $92,499 | +36% |
| DePaul University | $68,769 | $86,686 | +26% |
| Illinois State University | $52,887 | $79,687 | +51% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $26,892 | $68,285* | $83,239 | $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 Millikin University, approximately 35% 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.