Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Western Washington University

Western Washington University's IT management graduates earn $72,675 in their first year—well above both the national median of $58,056 and the state median of $66,117 for this degree. That's a strong starting salary for a bachelor's program, particularly at a school with a 91% admission rate where over one-fifth of students receive Pell grants. While the estimated debt figure of $25,019 comes from national patterns rather than WWU's actual graduate outcomes, it aligns reasonably with what similar programs typically produce ($27,000 nationally, though Washington programs often run lower at $18,618 median).

The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 suggests manageable repayment, even if the actual debt load turns out higher or lower than the estimate. At these earnings levels, graduates would likely handle typical monthly payments without severe strain. What's notable is that WWU performs in the 90th percentile nationally for graduate earnings in this field, even if it falls to the 60th percentile within Washington—a reminder that the state's tech sector sets a high bar.

For parents, the core question is whether this specific program delivers the strong outcomes the data suggests, or whether these are merely typical results for IT management degrees. The earnings figure is school-specific and verified, which matters more than the debt estimate. If your student is certain about pursuing tech management and WWU offers the right fit otherwise, the salary prospects look promising enough to justify typical bachelor's degree debt.