Analysis
Based on comparable programs in Pennsylvania, a Management Information Systems degree from Thiel appears to track right at the state median—$56,616 in first-year earnings with roughly $26,500 in debt. That 0.47 debt-to-earnings ratio sits comfortably in manageable territory, particularly for a field where technical skills can translate quickly into stable employment. The challenge is that these estimates derive from just six similar programs across Pennsylvania, and outcomes vary wildly: top performers like Villanova and Drexel push well into the $70,000s, while other state schools land in the low $50,000s.
The practical question is where Thiel's graduates actually fall within that range. With a 71% admission rate and significant Pell enrollment, the school serves a different population than Villanova, which might mean outcomes tilt toward the lower end of Pennsylvania MIS programs. On the other hand, MIS skills—database management, systems analysis, business intelligence—tend to have more uniform market value than many majors, which could work in graduates' favor regardless of institutional prestige.
For anxious parents, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value if the earnings materialize near projections, but you're making this decision without seeing actual graduate outcomes from Thiel itself. That's a genuine limitation worth acknowledging before writing the tuition checks.
Where Thiel College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management information systems and services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Management Information Systems and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (25 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,864 | $56,616* | — | $26,581* | — | |
| $64,701 | $78,703* | $100,271 | —* | — | |
| $60,663 | $72,332* | $86,476 | $29,933* | 0.41 | |
| $22,082 | $59,385* | $70,478 | $27,000* | 0.45 | |
| $11,380 | $53,846* | $63,223 | $27,000* | 0.50 | |
| $13,544 | $51,195* | $69,621 | $26,900* | 0.53 | |
| 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 Thiel College, approximately 39% 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 PA. Actual outcomes may vary.