Management Information Systems and Services at Southern Adventist University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 suggests a manageable financial picture for this MIS program, though parents should understand they're working with estimates rather than this school's actual graduate outcomes. Based on national medians from peer programs, graduates might expect around $59,490 in first-year earnings against roughly $26,500 in debt—numbers that align with typical private Christian university costs and competitive tech-adjacent salaries.

What's encouraging is how those estimated earnings compare to Tennessee's MIS landscape. While comparable programs nationally typically produce $59,490 in first-year earnings, similar programs in Tennessee cluster lower, around $50,000 at larger state universities like Memphis and Middle Tennessee State. If Southern's actual outcomes track closer to the national pattern than the state average, that premium could justify the private school investment, particularly if students value the institution's distinctive mission and smaller learning environment.

The key uncertainty here is whether Southern's specific program delivers outcomes closer to the stronger national benchmarks or more modest state figures. With just 13 Tennessee schools offering MIS degrees and limited reported data, parents can't definitively gauge where this program sits competitively. The estimated numbers suggest viability—you could realistically tackle that debt level on a $60K salary—but confirming Southern's actual track record with recent graduates before committing would significantly reduce the guesswork around this investment.