Management Information Systems and Services at University of North Alabama

The most troubling aspect of UNA's MIS program isn't the starting salary—it's where graduates end up four years later. First-year earnings of $55,826 sit reasonably close to Alabama's state median, but by year four, graduates see their income drop to $47,612. This 15% decline is unusual for a technology-adjacent field that typically rewards experience, and it raises questions about whether graduates are securing true IT roles or pivoting to less technical positions.

The debt load of $24,250 seems manageable at first glance, requiring about five months of initial salary to repay. However, that calculation becomes less favorable as earnings fall below $48,000. Among Alabama's twelve MIS programs, UNA ranks in just the 40th percentile, trailing not only flagship universities but also regional competitors. The gap is stark: University of Alabama graduates earn $74,000 annually—nearly 50% more than UNA students four years out.

For a family weighing this investment, the key question is whether their student can leverage UNA's low-cost entry point (suggested by the 96% admission rate and manageable debt) to transfer into stronger IT roles after graduation. The declining earnings pattern suggests many graduates struggle to do so. Unless your child has clear connections to Alabama's tech employers or plans graduate school, programs at UAB or even UA-Huntsville may offer better long-term returns despite potentially higher upfront costs.