Median Earnings (1yr)
$54,262
31st percentile (60th in TX)
Median Debt
$15,530
35% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.29
Manageable
Sample Size
28
Limited data

Analysis

University of Houston-Clear Lake's MIS program shows surprisingly strong performance for students who attend, though you should understand the data comes from fewer than 30 graduates. Starting at $54,262 and reaching $68,564 by year four represents solid growth, and graduates carry just $15,530 in debt—far below both the Texas median ($20,500) and national average ($24,000).

Here's what matters most: this program ranks in the 60th percentile among Texas MIS programs, punching above its weight given the university's open-access mission (75% acceptance rate, serving 44% Pell recipients). While flagship programs like UT Austin command higher salaries, Clear Lake graduates are earning more than the state median by year four, with a debt load manageable on a tech salary. The 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than three months' salary—a comfortable starting point.

The caveat is real: small sample sizes can swing dramatically year to year, so these numbers might not represent every cohort's experience. But the fundamental value proposition is compelling—low debt, steady earnings growth, and outcomes that compare favorably to most Texas programs. For families seeking an affordable entry into tech management roles in the Houston area, this represents a genuinely low-risk investment.

Where University of Houston-Clear Lake Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all management information systems and services bachelors's programs nationally

University of Houston-Clear LakeOther management information systems and services programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Houston-Clear Lake graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Houston-Clear Lake graduates earn $54k, placing them in the 31th percentile of all management information systems and services bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Management Information Systems and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (40 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Houston-Clear Lake$54,262$68,564$15,5300.29
The University of Texas at Austin$86,622$96,963$19,0000.22
Texas A&M University-College Station$71,032—$19,5000.27
Baylor University$70,873$93,275$24,0000.34
University of Houston$65,574$75,533$16,7500.26
University of North Texas$64,441$77,222$20,9700.33
National Median$59,490—$24,0000.40

Other Management Information Systems and Services Programs in Texas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin
$11,678$86,622$19,000
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station
$13,099$71,032$19,500
Baylor University
Waco
$54,844$70,873$24,000
University of Houston
Houston
$9,711$65,574$16,750
University of North Texas
Denton
$11,164$64,441$20,970

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 University of Houston-Clear Lake, approximately 44% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 28 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.