Management Information Systems and Services at Western Washington University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Western Washington University's MIS program outpaces most Washington alternatives, landing graduates in the 60th percentile statewide—ahead of Washington State's program and significantly ahead of Eastern Washington. The $61,668 starting salary exceeds both state and national medians, and graduates see substantial momentum with earnings jumping 35% to $83,219 by year four. With $22,333 in debt (matching the state median), the 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly four months of their first-year salary—a manageable starting point that improves quickly as earnings grow.
What makes this program stand out isn't flashy starting numbers but reliable trajectory. While it doesn't crack the top quartile nationally, it consistently performs above median across metrics that matter: earnings, debt load, and growth potential. Given WWU's 91% admission rate, this represents solid accessibility without sacrificing outcomes. The moderate sample size suggests stable, repeatable results rather than outlier-driven statistics.
For families weighing in-state options, this program delivers stronger ROI than the state's flagship MIS program at a comparable debt level. The combination of above-average starting salaries and strong earnings growth creates genuine upward mobility for graduates entering tech-adjacent careers in the Pacific Northwest.
Where Western Washington University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management information systems and services bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Western Washington University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Western Washington University graduates earn $62k, placing them in the 57th percentile of all management information systems and services bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Washington
Management Information Systems and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (6 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Washington University | $61,668 | $83,219 | $22,333 | 0.36 |
| Washington State University | $59,490 | $71,717 | $23,500 | 0.40 |
| Eastern Washington University | $41,331 | $62,063 | $19,802 | 0.48 |
| National Median | $59,490 | — | $24,000 | 0.40 |
Other Management Information Systems and Services Programs in Washington
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Washington schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington State University Pullman | $12,997 | $59,490 | $23,500 |
| Eastern Washington University Cheney | $8,353 | $41,331 | $19,802 |
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 Washington University, approximately 21% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 63 graduates with reported earnings and 54 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.