Computer Programming at Lake Washington Institute of Technology

Washington State's computer programming bachelor's programs typically produce first-year earnings around $102,000, making the estimated $50,000 figure for Lake Washington Institute of Technology seem surprisingly low. That state figure comes from programs like DigiPen, and while Lake Washington's outcomes remain unreported due to small graduate samples, the gap between state-typical and national-typical earnings ($102,000 versus $50,000) suggests this program may not be tapping into the robust Seattle-area tech market that justifies Washington's high cost of living.

The estimated $25,000 debt load is actually modest—below both the national median for this credential ($31,000) and Washington's state average ($23,000)—which provides some cushion. At the national benchmark earnings level, you'd be looking at a manageable 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio. But if this program's actual outcomes are tracking closer to state norms, that ratio would drop dramatically in your favor.

The central question is whether this program connects graduates to Washington's tech economy or leaves them competing at national wage levels while living in one of the country's most expensive metros. Given the state's other computer programming bachelor's programs show dramatically higher earnings, you'll want to understand specifically how Lake Washington's curriculum, industry partnerships, and career placement differ before committing. The debt is reasonable, but only if the earnings materialize closer to Washington standards than national ones.