Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
Based on comparable MIS programs across Oregon, this degree suggests a relatively strong financial foundation. Three similar programs in the state report first-year earnings around $63,000, which aligns with both the state and national medians for this field. That's a respectable start for a tech-adjacent business degree, though it doesn't reach the upper tier of outcomes that some MIS programs nationally achieve at $67,000 or more.
The estimated debt burden tells a more complicated story. At roughly $23,000, this figure comes from national patterns across similar institutions rather than Western Oregon's actual graduates—it's notably higher than the $17,500 median debt for Oregon MIS programs. Even so, a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 suggests manageable repayment, assuming those earnings estimates hold true. The 40% Pell grant rate indicates Western Oregon serves many students with financial need, which could mean actual debt loads vary considerably depending on individual aid packages.
The real uncertainty here isn't whether MIS is a solid field—it generally is—but whether Western Oregon's specific program delivers outcomes matching its state peers like Oregon State. Without actual graduate data from this campus, you're betting on convergence with broader patterns. If your student is already committed to Oregon and needs Western Oregon's accessibility (that 99% admission rate exists for a reason), the estimated numbers aren't alarming. But if they have options at OSU or other Oregon schools with proven MIS track records, those programs offer more certainty for roughly similar projected outcomes.
Where Western Oregon University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management information systems and services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Oregon
Management Information Systems and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,025 | $63,000* | — | $23,185* | — | |
| $13,494 | $63,000* | $67,829 | $17,500* | 0.28 | |
| $12,594 | $63,000* | $67,829 | $17,500* | 0.28 | |
| $12,093 | $59,328* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $59,490* | — | $24,000* | 0.40 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with management information systems and services graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Computer Programmers
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Western Oregon University, approximately 40% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in OR. Actual outcomes may vary.