Management Information Systems and Services at Western Connecticut State University

Western Connecticut State's MIS program starts below expectations but shows promising momentum. First-year graduates earn $50,443—about $9,000 less than the Connecticut median and roughly $12,000 behind the state's top program at Central Connecticut. Among Connecticut's eight MIS programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile. However, earnings jump 34% by year four to $67,438, essentially catching up to what peers earn initially and matching the national 75th percentile for this field.

The debt picture offers some reassurance: at $23,670, graduates carry slightly less than both state and national medians, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47. Combined with the school's accessible 81% admission rate and significant Pell grant enrollment, this program serves students who might struggle to access Connecticut's more competitive options. The real question is whether that first year of lower earnings—when you're making loan payments—creates financial strain that could have been avoided elsewhere.

For families prioritizing immediate earning power, Central Connecticut or Post University deliver stronger starting salaries without significantly more debt. But if your student needs a more accessible entry point and can weather a slower first year, the trajectory here eventually delivers competitive mid-career outcomes. Just know you're trading short-term earnings for longer-term results.