Analysis
Nationally, MIS bachelor's programs produce first-year earnings around $59,500, putting this field solidly in the middle tier for business technology roles. What's unusual about Rhode Island is how much local outcomes vary—the one school with reported data shows significantly lower earnings at $47,857, suggesting the state's market for entry-level tech positions may not match national patterns. Salve Regina's estimated debt of $26,581 sits above both the national program median ($24,000) and Rhode Island's typical load for this major ($20,725).
The debt-to-earnings math tells a manageable story if national patterns hold: a 0.45 ratio means roughly $270 in monthly federal loan payments on a nearly $60,000 salary. That's sustainable territory. But the uncertainty here matters more than usual. With only four Rhode Island schools offering this program and limited visibility into Salve Regina's specific placement patterns, you're banking on graduates accessing that broader national market rather than competing locally where salaries appear compressed.
The practical question is whether Salve Regina's Newport location and connections open doors to Boston's stronger tech market, where MIS roles command premium wages. If graduates primarily stay in Rhode Island's smaller ecosystem, the debt load becomes harder to justify against what appears to be a $48,000 reality. Before committing, pin down where recent graduates actually landed jobs and what they're earning—that ground truth matters more than national averages when you're paying a premium over state benchmarks.
Where Salve Regina University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management information systems and services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Rhode Island
Management Information Systems and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Rhode Island (4 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $47,930 | $59,490* | — | $26,581* | — | |
| $10,986 | $47,857* | $61,018 | $20,725* | 0.43 | |
| 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 Salve Regina University, approximately 15% 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 national median of 153 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.