Median Earnings (1yr)
$58,197
45th percentile
60th percentile in Iowa
Median Debt
$22,500
6% below national median

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Northern IowaCedar Falls$9,728$58,197$79,033$22,5000.39
Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara$59,241$93,042$19,9950.21
National UniversitySan Diego$13,320$92,758$85,671$28,6750.31
Southern New Hampshire UniversityManchester$16,450$86,882$36,8880.42
The University of Texas at AustinAustin$11,678$86,622$96,963$19,0000.22
Georgetown UniversityWashington$65,081$83,756$113,090
National Median$59,490$24,0000.40

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with management information systems and services graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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.