Management Information Systems and Services at The Catholic University of America

A DC-based MIS program should command a premium, but estimates based on peer institutions nationally suggest first-year earnings around $59,490—roughly $22,000 below what the district's other MIS programs deliver. Georgetown and Howard graduates are clearing $80,000-plus in their first year, while Catholic University's outcomes appear anchored to a national median that doesn't reflect DC's tech-heavy labor market. With estimated debt of $26,581, the financial math works (a 0.45 ratio is manageable), but you're potentially leaving substantial early-career earnings on the table.

The gap matters because MIS careers reward momentum. Those first years in DC's consulting firms, federal contractors, and tech companies build networks and credentials that compound over time. If comparable programs at Catholic actually produce outcomes closer to DC's $81,000 median, this becomes a very different value proposition. But that's speculative—the data available suggests performance well below local competitors.

The practical question: are you paying for location advantages you're not receiving? Catholic's 84% admission rate and limited Pell enrollment (17%) indicate a private school that's accessible but not heavily recruiting top tech talent. If your student is DC-focused and technically capable, programs with demonstrated local market traction would seem worth exploring. If Catholic is the choice, confirm actual placement outcomes and employer connections before committing.