Analysis
University of Northern Iowa's MIS program stands out in Iowa, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide—a meaningful achievement given the state has a dozen programs competing for tech talent. While first-year earnings of $58,197 land slightly below the national median, the program's real strength emerges in the trajectory: graduates see 36% earnings growth by year four, reaching $79,033. That puts them well above typical MIS graduates nationwide and suggests strong career momentum.
The debt picture is reasonable at $22,500, creating a manageable 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio that beats many competing programs. Graduates can realistically pay this down within two to three years of focused repayment, even on entry-level salaries. The relatively low debt burden combined with solid earnings growth means students aren't sacrificing financial flexibility early in their careers.
For Iowa families, this program offers dependable value. UNI's 94% admission rate makes it accessible, and outcomes suggest the school delivers on workforce preparation despite its open-door approach. Your student won't command top-tier starting salaries immediately, but the steady earnings climb indicates employers value these graduates increasingly over time. If your child is interested in business technology and prefers staying in the Midwest, this represents a low-risk path into a stable field.
Where University of Northern Iowa Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management information systems and services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Northern Iowa 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 Northern Iowa | $58,197 | $79,033 | +36% |
| Georgetown University | $83,756 | $113,090 | +35% |
| University of Notre Dame | $78,507 | $109,779 | +40% |
| Howard University | $78,544 | $103,418 | +32% |
| Bellevue University | $67,262 | $101,717 | +51% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Management Information Systems and Services bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,728 | $58,197 | $79,033 | $22,500 | 0.39 | |
| $59,241 | $93,042 | — | $19,995 | 0.21 | |
| $13,320 | $92,758 | $85,671 | $28,675 | 0.31 | |
| $16,450 | $86,882 | — | $36,888 | 0.42 | |
| $11,678 | $86,622 | $96,963 | $19,000 | 0.22 | |
| $65,081 | $83,756 | $113,090 | — | — | |
| 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 Northern Iowa, approximately 24% 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 62 graduates with reported earnings and 55 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.