Management Information Systems and Services at Howard University

Howard's MIS graduates start at nearly $80,000—well above the national median of $59,490—but that 40th percentile ranking among DC schools reveals something important: the capital's tech market sets a high bar. With only four programs in the district and Georgetown grads earning slightly more, Howard sits in the middle of an elite local field where even average outcomes are exceptional by national standards.

The $20,000 debt load matches the DC median and sits well below the national benchmark, producing a 0.25 debt-to-earnings ratio that's entirely manageable. Four years out, median earnings jump to over $103,000—a 32% increase that suggests graduates secure solid footing in enterprise IT roles. Given that 41% of Howard students receive Pell grants, these outcomes represent meaningful economic mobility for many families.

The catch: we're looking at a small sample (under 30 graduates), so individual circumstances could shift these numbers significantly. Still, for a student interested in MIS who can handle Howard's selective admissions (35% acceptance rate), this program delivers immediate post-graduation earnings that justify the modest debt—especially for families already in the DC area where the local tech ecosystem provides natural career pathways.