Management Information Systems and Services at University of Memphis

University of Memphis MIS graduates start at $51,524—ranking in the 60th percentile among Tennessee programs but only the 23rd percentile nationally. This creates an interesting dynamic: the program performs solidly within its state context, beating Middle Tennessee State's MIS program by a few thousand dollars, but falls notably short of the $59,490 national median for MIS degrees. The managed debt load of $29,768 is a bright spot, representing less than 0.6 times first-year earnings and sitting in just the 5th percentile nationally for debt burden.

The 21% earnings growth to $62,471 by year four follows a standard trajectory for tech-adjacent roles, though it doesn't close the gap with stronger MIS programs elsewhere. For a Tennessee family keeping their student in-state for tuition purposes, this program offers reasonable value—solid debt discipline combined with mid-tier state outcomes. However, if your child is competitive enough to gain admission to MIS programs at higher-ranked institutions (remember, Memphis admits 93% of applicants), they'd likely see significantly higher starting salaries.

The practical verdict: This works as an affordable path into technology management roles if staying in Tennessee makes financial sense. But families should recognize they're trading geographic convenience for below-average national earning potential in a field that typically pays quite well elsewhere.