Analysis
Oakland University's MIS program punches above its weight for a school with a 70% admission rate. Graduates earn $65,128 in their first year—nearly $6,000 more than the national median and $2,400 above Michigan's already-strong state median. Among Michigan's 18 MIS programs, this ranks solidly in the 60th percentile, placing it just behind Central Michigan and U-M Dearborn but ahead of Wayne State and Eastern Michigan. For a mid-selectivity public university, that's competitive positioning.
The financial equation looks straightforward: $26,000 in median debt translates to a 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe just over five months' salary. Earnings grow to $72,305 by year four—an 11% increase that suggests the technical skills translate to steady career progression. The debt sits at Michigan's state median, so nothing unusual there.
This program offers practical value for Michigan families seeking a reliable tech career without needing admission to Ann Arbor or the premium Central Michigan charges. Your child would graduate with marketable skills, manageable debt, and earnings that immediately support loan repayment. The moderate sample size suggests a well-established but not massive program, which often means better faculty access than at larger schools.
Where Oakland University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management information systems and services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Oakland University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oakland University | $65,128 | $72,305 | +11% |
| Central Michigan University | $68,088 | $82,839 | +22% |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn | $65,211 | $82,433 | +26% |
| Eastern Michigan University | $54,948 | $78,767 | +43% |
| Wayne State University | $59,352 | $74,781 | +26% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Management Information Systems and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Oakland UniversityRochester Hills | $14,694 | $65,128 | $72,305 | $26,000 | 0.40 |
 Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant | $14,190 | $68,088 | $82,839 | $27,000 | 0.40 |
 University of Michigan-DearbornDearborn | $14,944 | $65,211 | $82,433 | $25,610 | 0.39 |
 Michigan Technological UniversityHoughton | $18,392 | $60,266 | — | $28,000 | 0.46 |
 Wayne State UniversityDetroit | $14,297 | $59,352 | $74,781 | $23,250 | 0.39 |
 Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti | $15,510 | $54,948 | $78,767 | $27,500 | 0.50 |
| 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 Oakland University, approximately 30% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 58 graduates with reported earnings and 51 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.