Management Information Systems and Services at North Central College

Tech jobs in Illinois typically pay well out of the gate, and similar MIS programs in the state suggest North Central's graduates could expect around $68,000 in their first year—right in line with what peers at DePaul and Loyola report. With estimated debt around $26,500, you're looking at a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39, meaning the first year's salary could cover the entire loan balance about two and a half times over. That's a workable financing picture for a field where skills compound quickly.

The caveat: these figures come from comparable programs across Illinois, not from North Central's actual graduate outcomes. The school's cohort was too small for the Department of Education to report, which isn't uncommon at smaller institutions but does mean you're making this decision with less program-specific data. The Illinois MIS market appears strong—19 schools offer the degree and most cluster around this $65-70K range—so the state benchmark is at least built on solid comparisons.

For parents weighing this investment, the fundamentals look reasonable if your student wants to work in tech. The estimated debt burden is manageable given typical MIS salaries, and being in the Chicago metro area provides access to corporate IT departments and consulting firms that hire entry-level analysts. Just recognize you're betting on North Central tracking with state peers rather than on verified outcomes from this specific program.