Analysis
Spring Arbor's MIS program sits in the middle of Michigan's landscape for this field. Based on comparable programs across the state, graduates typically earn around $62,697 in their first year—a solid starting point that exceeds the national median and puts them within striking distance of larger state universities. The estimated debt of $26,581 translates to a manageable 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe less than half their annual salary.
The challenge is uncertainty. With suppressed data due to small graduating cohorts, these estimates from peer programs can only tell you so much about outcomes specific to Spring Arbor. What we do know: the institution's selective admissions (37% acceptance rate) and relatively low Pell grant enrollment (26%) suggest a more advantaged student body, which could positively influence outcomes. However, top Michigan programs like Central Michigan and UM-Dearborn report first-year earnings $5,000-6,000 higher for their MIS graduates.
For a parent, the calculation comes down to whether Spring Arbor's specific environment—likely smaller classes and a Christian liberal arts context—justifies accepting the unknown. The estimated debt burden is reasonable if earnings materialize as predicted, but without actual graduate data from this program, you're essentially betting on Spring Arbor producing outcomes comparable to the state average rather than above it.
Where Spring Arbor University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management information systems and services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Management Information Systems and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $32,580 | $62,697* | — | $26,581* | — | |
| $14,190 | $68,088* | $82,839 | $27,000* | 0.40 | |
| $14,944 | $65,211* | $82,433 | $25,610* | 0.39 | |
| $14,694 | $65,128* | $72,305 | $26,000* | 0.40 | |
| $18,392 | $60,266* | — | $28,000* | 0.46 | |
| $14,297 | $59,352* | $74,781 | $23,250* | 0.39 | |
| 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 Spring Arbor University, approximately 26% 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 6 similar programs in MI. Actual outcomes may vary.