Analysis
Santa Clara's MIS graduates earn $93,042 their first year out—56% more than the typical graduate in this field nationally and 52% more than California's median. Among California's 14 schools offering this program, only National University matches this performance, while prestigious UC Irvine trails by over $24,000. The debt load of $19,995 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.21, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under three months of gross salary.
Silicon Valley location clearly matters here. Santa Clara sits in the heart of tech country, where MIS skills command premium compensation. The combination of strong earnings and manageable debt creates one of the better financial outcomes you'll find for this major anywhere in the country. That said, the sample size is small—fewer than 30 graduates reported data—so individual results will vary more than at larger programs.
For families who can manage Santa Clara's private school tuition (the $19,995 debt suggests some additional family contribution or scholarships), this program delivers exceptionally strong ROI. The first-year earnings alone put graduates well above what most MIS majors see even five years into their careers at other schools.
Where Santa Clara University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management information systems and services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Santa Clara University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Management Information Systems and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (14 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara | $59,241 | $93,042 | — | $19,995 | 0.21 |
 National UniversitySan Diego | $13,320 | $92,758 | $85,671 | $28,675 | 0.31 |
 University of California-IrvineIrvine | $14,237 | $68,786 | $100,891 | $16,500 | 0.24 |
 Ashford UniversitySan Diego | $13,160 | $61,359 | $58,231 | $40,327 | 0.66 |
 California State University-NorthridgeNorthridge | $7,095 | $58,733 | $74,354 | $21,851 | 0.37 |
 California State University-San MarcosSan Marcos | $7,739 | $55,102 | — | $16,170 | 0.29 |
| 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 Santa Clara University, approximately 11% 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 28 graduates with reported earnings and 29 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.