Management Information Systems and Services at Paine College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47—based on what similar MIS programs in Georgia typically produce—suggests manageable repayment, though Paine's profile raises questions about the student experience behind these numbers. With 71% of students receiving Pell grants and an 83% admission rate, this is an access-focused institution serving students who often have limited higher-education options. The estimated $26,581 in debt sits slightly above the national median for MIS programs, while projected first-year earnings of $56,263 align with Georgia's state median but trail the national benchmark by about $3,200.

The challenge is that we're working entirely from estimates—neither earnings nor debt figures are reported for Paine's actual graduates in this program, likely due to small class sizes. This means parents can't assess whether Paine's specific program matches, exceeds, or falls short of peer outcomes. Comparing to Georgia schools with reported data reveals a wide range: University of Georgia MIS graduates start at $78,190, while University of West Georgia's earn $42,494. Where Paine would land on this spectrum is genuinely unknown.

For families considering this program, the estimated metrics suggest reasonable potential value if outcomes match similar programs, but the complete absence of school-specific data means you're placing significant trust in an institution without verification. If your student has strong admission options at Georgia Southern or Columbus State—both with transparent outcomes near the state median—those represent safer bets with comparable access.