Analysis
At roughly $23,000 in debt against first-year earnings of about $66,000, this program's estimated financials look manageable. Based on similar Management Information Systems programs across Indiana, graduates typically earn around the state median—a figure that sits comfortably above the national benchmark of $59,490. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 means you'd be looking at less than five months of gross salary to cover the total borrowing, which is among the better scenarios for a bachelor's degree.
What's encouraging here is the estimated debt load. While earnings projections align with other Indiana MIS programs, the estimated debt of $23,185 runs well below Indiana's $42,000 median for this field. That's a meaningful difference—nearly $19,000 less in principal means substantially less in total repayment. Purdue Northwest's regional public university model appears to deliver a credential in a tech-adjacent business field without the heavy borrowing that often accompanies it.
The uncertainty around these estimates matters less when the underlying value proposition holds up under different scenarios. Even if actual outcomes vary by 10-15% from these peer-program projections, you'd still be looking at solid tech-sector earnings against moderate debt. MIS sits at the intersection of business and IT—a sweet spot for job market demand—and the financial fundamentals here suggest this could be a practical path into that field without excessive financial risk.
Where Purdue University Northwest Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management information systems and services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Management Information Systems and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,419 | $66,258* | — | $23,185* | — | |
| $62,693 | $78,507* | $109,779 | —* | — | |
| $31,168 | $66,258* | $71,583 | $42,000* | 0.63 | |
| $8,216 | $66,258* | $71,583 | $42,000* | 0.63 | |
| $10,758 | $53,597* | $69,393 | $25,000* | 0.47 | |
| 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 Purdue University Northwest, approximately 28% 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 IN. Actual outcomes may vary.