Est. Earnings (1yr)
$66,258
Est. from IN median (4 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$23,185
Est. from national median (112 programs)

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Purdue University NorthwestHammond$8,419$66,258*$23,185*
University of Notre DameNotre Dame$62,693$78,507*$109,779*
Indiana Wesleyan University-MarionMarion$31,168$66,258*$71,583$42,000*0.63
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & GlobalMarion$8,216$66,258*$71,583$42,000*0.63
Ball State UniversityMuncie$10,758$53,597*$69,393$25,000*0.47
National Median$59,490*$24,000*0.40
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with management information systems and services graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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.