Analysis
Looking at Florida's MIS bachelor's programs, the estimated $56,000 first-year earnings track right at the state median—though notably $10,000 below what Florida State and Florida Tech graduates typically earn. The estimated $19,361 debt load is better than both state and national medians, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 that suggests manageable repayment. For context, peer MIS programs across Florida range from about $56,000 to $66,000 in first-year earnings, so there's significant variation in early outcomes depending on which school students attend.
The practical math works in your favor: at this debt level and estimated earnings, loan payments would consume roughly 10-12% of gross income under standard repayment—tight but workable for a tech-focused business degree. MIS programs generally offer stronger job prospects than general business degrees, with skills in database management, systems analysis, and IT project management translating reasonably well to Florida's growing tech sector in Tampa, Jacksonville, and Orlando.
The key uncertainty here is whether UWF's specific program matches these statewide estimates or falls short. Given that the strongest FL programs produce 15-20% higher earnings, you'd want to investigate UWF's employer connections, internship placement, and whether graduates land at larger corporations or smaller regional businesses. For a moderately selective school in a smaller market like Pensacola, the estimated outcomes seem realistic but not exceptional for an MIS degree.
Where University of West Florida Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management information systems and services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Management Information Systems and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,360 | $55,972* | — | $19,361* | — | |
| $5,656 | $66,252* | $78,609 | $18,173* | 0.27 | |
| $12,240 | $65,770* | — | $38,907* | 0.59 | |
| $44,360 | $65,770* | — | $38,907* | 0.59 | |
| $12,720 | $56,693* | — | —* | — | |
| $6,410 | $55,972* | $68,866 | $18,494* | 0.33 | |
| 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 West Florida, approximately 33% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 9 similar programs in FL. Actual outcomes may vary.