Management Information Systems and Services at Texas A & M International University

Texas A&M International's MIS program shows an unusual earnings pattern that warrants careful consideration. While comparable programs across Texas suggest first-year earnings around $52,800, the actual reported figure four years out drops to $42,300—a significant decline that runs counter to normal career progression. This backward trend could reflect the local Laredo economy, differences in employer types, or migration patterns among graduates, but it's concerning regardless of the cause.

The estimated $20,000 in debt sits below both state and national medians, which helps offset the earnings concerns. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 is manageable, and the school serves a predominantly Pell-eligible student body (63%), making college access a clear priority. However, when top Texas MIS programs routinely produce graduates earning $65,000-$86,000 in their early careers, the gap here is substantial—nearly $30,000 annually compared to UT Austin.

For families banking on MIS as a lucrative tech pathway, this program may not deliver the returns seen elsewhere in the state. The declining earnings trajectory between years one and four is the real red flag. If your student is committed to staying in the Laredo area, these numbers might align with local market realities, but graduates seeking higher-paying tech jobs will likely need to relocate to Dallas, Houston, or Austin—and even then, they'll be competing against peers from higher-ranked programs.