Analysis
University of Houston's MIS program punches well above its weight given its 70% admission rate. With first-year earnings of $65,574, graduates earn about $13,000 more than the Texas median for this major—landing in the 60th percentile statewide. More impressive: they carry just $16,750 in debt, roughly half the national average and significantly less than most Texas peers. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in just three months of gross salary, an unusually favorable position.
The earnings trajectory looks solid too, climbing to $75,533 by year four—a 15% gain that keeps pace with career progression in the field. While UH doesn't match UT Austin's eye-popping $86,622 or even Texas A&M's $71,032, it delivers 90% of the earnings at a fraction of the debt load and with far easier admission. For context, this program outperforms many higher-ranked schools while serving a diverse student body (41% receive Pell grants).
The combination of above-average starting salaries, minimal debt burden, and steady earnings growth makes this a practical choice for students targeting the tech sector. The numbers are backed by a robust sample size, so these outcomes are reliable predictors rather than statistical flukes.
Where University of Houston Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management information systems and services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Houston graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Houston | $65,574 | $75,533 | +15% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $86,622 | $96,963 | +12% |
| Baylor University | $70,873 | $93,275 | +32% |
| University of North Texas | $64,441 | $77,222 | +20% |
| The University of Texas at San Antonio | $58,123 | $74,047 | +27% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Management Information Systems and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (40 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of HoustonHouston | $9,711 | $65,574 | $75,533 | $16,750 | 0.26 |
 The University of Texas at AustinAustin | $11,678 | $86,622 | $96,963 | $19,000 | 0.22 |
 Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station | $13,099 | $71,032 | — | $19,500 | 0.27 |
 Baylor UniversityWaco | $54,844 | $70,873 | $93,275 | $24,000 | 0.34 |
 University of North TexasDenton | $11,164 | $64,441 | $77,222 | $20,970 | 0.33 |
 The University of Texas at San AntonioSan Antonio | $8,991 | $58,123 | $74,047 | $23,119 | 0.40 |
| 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 University of Houston, approximately 41% 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 300 graduates with reported earnings and 211 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.