Management Information Systems and Services at University of Alabama in Huntsville

UAH's MIS program demonstrates something important: starting salary isn't everything. Yes, graduates earn $52,769 in year one—below both the state median ($56,802) and national average ($59,490). But four years out, they're making $75,743, nearly matching the University of Alabama's early earnings and showing 44% growth. This suggests the Huntsville tech corridor values UAH graduates once they gain experience, even if initial placement lags behind flagship programs.

The debt picture adds to the appeal. At $20,500, graduates carry about $3,500 less debt than typical Alabama MIS students and $3,500 less than the national median. That manageable debt load combined with strong earnings growth creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39—meaning graduates can handle repayment while their careers accelerate. This matters especially in a field where company changes and skill accumulation often drive rapid salary increases.

For families focused on long-term outcomes rather than first-job bragging rights, this represents solid value. Your student won't start at the top of the salary range, but they'll graduate with modest debt into Huntsville's growing aerospace and defense tech sector, where UAH connections run deep. The trajectory matters more than the starting point here.