Management Information Systems and Services at University of Central Arkansas

The University of Central Arkansas's MIS program offers a remarkably different proposition than the state norm: graduates leave with $21,500 in debt—nearly 40% less than Arkansas's median of $35,094 for the same degree. While first-year earnings of $54,913 trail the national median by about $4,500, they match the state median exactly, placing this program solidly at the 60th percentile among Arkansas MIS programs.

The debt advantage matters more than the earnings gap. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39, graduates owe roughly five months of their first year's salary—a manageable burden that leaves room to save, invest, or pursue additional education. The 8% earnings growth to $59,000 by year four also suggests the degree opens doors to career progression, even if the trajectory is modest. For students planning to stay in Arkansas where the cost of living remains relatively low, starting at the state median with substantially less debt than peers creates real financial flexibility.

The tradeoff here is straightforward: you're not getting Silicon Valley-caliber MIS training, but you're also not gambling with outsized debt. For in-state students who can keep costs low through scholarships or in-state tuition, this program delivers solid middle-class earnings without the debt burden that often accompanies business-tech degrees.