Management Information Systems and Services at Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University's MIS program starts graduates about $8,000 behind the state median but demonstrates strong momentum—earnings jump 28% by year four to reach $67,506. That growth rate helps close the gap, though graduates still trail University of Arizona's program, which starts at $67,550. For Arizona, where only three schools offer this degree, NAU ranks at the 40th percentile, suggesting you're getting middle-tier outcomes in a limited market.

The $25,000 debt load sits slightly above state norms but remains manageable at 0.47 times first-year earnings. That's a reasonable borrowing level, especially considering the strong earnings trajectory. However, the national percentile ranking (25th) reveals this program underperforms compared to MIS degrees nationwide. If your child has options at larger public universities or tech-hub schools in other states, they'll likely see better starting salaries.

The real question is whether the lower starting salary is worth NAU's likely advantages—smaller class sizes at a school with 91% acceptance and strong upward mobility once established in the field. If your child plans to stay in Arizona and values the Flagstaff environment, the trajectory looks solid. If maximizing earning power from day one matters more, the state's flagship university offers a clearer path to higher entry-level compensation.