Management Information Systems and Services at The University of Texas at Arlington

UTA's MIS program sits in an interesting position: it trails the national average by about $6,700 in first-year earnings, yet performs right at the Texas median and ranks in the 60th percentile among the state's 40 programs. This matters because Texas students are likely comparing it to in-state alternatives, not national options. The debt load of $19,500 is manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37, and earnings grow steadily to nearly $59,000 by year four—approaching the national median.

The real question is whether this represents good value when nearby alternatives exist. UT Austin MIS graduates earn $86,000 right out of school, and even University of Houston grads start at $65,000. UTA's accessible admission (81% acceptance rate) and significant Pell enrollment (40%) suggest it serves students who may not have access to these more selective programs, and for them, a $53,000 starting salary with modest debt is solid footing in the tech sector.

For a student choosing between UTA and comparable regional schools, this program delivers fair value—the debt is light and earnings trajectory is positive. But families should recognize the earnings gap with top Texas programs is substantial and doesn't close quickly. If your child can access UT Austin or Texas A&M's MIS programs, those are stronger bets. If UTA is the realistic option, the numbers work, just not spectacularly.