Management Information Systems and Services at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

UW-La Crosse's MIS program punches above its weight, with first-year earnings of $67,661 placing it in the 75th percentile nationally—impressive for a regional comprehensive university with a 73% admission rate. Based on comparable programs in Wisconsin, students typically carry around $23,750 in debt, yielding a manageable 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio. That means graduates would need roughly four months of gross income to cover their total educational debt, a solid position for entering the technology job market.

The program trails UW-Madison's outcomes by about $6,000 but significantly outperforms most other Wisconsin MIS programs, including larger campuses like Milwaukee and Parkside. What's less encouraging is the minimal earnings growth—just 3% from year one to year four—suggesting graduates may hit their earning potential quickly rather than experiencing the salary acceleration common in many tech fields. However, starting near $68,000 with moderate debt provides a comfortable foundation even without dramatic growth.

For families weighing this investment, the combination of strong starting salaries and reasonable estimated debt makes this program financially sound, particularly for students who may not gain admission to Madison. The early earnings advantage over peer programs suggests UW-La Crosse has carved out effective employer relationships or curriculum strengths, though prospective students should verify these outcomes reflect the school's actual track record once more graduate data becomes available.