Management Information Systems and Services at Central Washington University

Based on comparable programs in Washington, Central Washington's MIS program appears positioned near the middle of the pack, with estimated first-year earnings around $59,490—matching both state and national medians for this credential. The estimated debt load of $22,333 translates to a manageable 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would theoretically owe less than five months of their first year's salary.

The challenge here is uncertainty. With only six schools in Washington offering this program and limited reporting, these estimates come from a small peer group. What we do know is that MIS outcomes vary significantly even within the state—Western Washington graduates reportedly earn $61,668 while Eastern Washington's earn just $41,331. Central Washington's position between these programs suggests moderate expectations, though without actual data from CWU graduates, it's impossible to say whether this program leans toward the higher or lower end of that spectrum.

For families seeking a tech-adjacent degree at an accessible institution (90% admission rate), the estimated numbers don't raise immediate red flags. But given the wide variation among Washington MIS programs and the lack of school-specific data, you'd want to investigate employment outcomes directly with the department—specifically, where recent graduates land jobs and whether they're competing successfully for Seattle-area tech positions versus more regional opportunities.