Top 3 Information Systems Programs in Washington
University of Washington
Top-tier research university with strong tech industry connections in Seattle
Washington State University
Comprehensive MIS program with emphasis on business applications
Seattle University
Small class sizes and personalized attention in tech-focused curriculum
- 1.Washington ranks 8th nationally for information systems job opportunities with 11% projected growth through 2032
- 2.University of Washington leads with 95% job placement rate and $82,000 median starting salaries
- 3.In-state students save an average of $25,000 annually compared to private alternatives
- 4.Seattle's tech hub offers abundant internship opportunities at Amazon, Microsoft, and emerging startups
- 5.Graduate programs show 23% higher earning potential compared to bachelor's degree holders
Washington Information Systems Programs: Market Leadership
Washington state stands as a premier destination for information systems education, ranking 8th nationally for tech employment opportunities. The state's 12 accredited MIS programs benefit from proximity to major technology companies including Amazon, Microsoft, and T-Mobile, creating unparalleled internship and career opportunities.
Information systems professionals in Washington earn a median salary of $95,240, significantly above the national average of $88,740, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The state's tech sector employs over 435,000 workers, with information systems roles growing at 11% annually through 2032.
Our ranking methodology evaluates programs across five key metrics: academic excellence (25%), career outcomes (25%), industry connections (20%), cost value (15%), and student satisfaction (15%). This comprehensive approach identifies programs that deliver both educational quality and practical career preparation for the evolving information systems field.
Based on 12 programs from College Scorecard, IPEDS, Industry Surveys
Faculty credentials, curriculum relevance, research opportunities
Job placement rates, starting salaries, employer feedback
Internship partnerships, corporate advisory boards, guest speakers
Tuition costs, financial aid availability, return on investment
Graduation rates, student reviews, support services
Complete Rankings: Washington Information Systems Programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Median Salary | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Washington | Seattle | Public | $12,394 | 8400% | $82,000 | 95 |
| 2 | Washington State University | Pullman | Public | $11,841 | 7000% | $76,500 | 88 |
| 3 | Seattle University | Seattle | Private | $49,950 | 7800% | $79,000 | 85 |
| 4 | Pacific Lutheran University | Tacoma | Private | $47,170 | 7500% | $73,500 | 82 |
| 5 | Central Washington University | Ellensburg | Public | $10,887 | 6500% | $71,000 | 78 |
| 6 | Western Washington University | Bellingham | Public | $11,716 | 7200% | $72,500 | 76 |
| 7 | Eastern Washington University | Cheney | Public | $10,902 | 5800% | $68,000 | 72 |
| 8 | Seattle Pacific University | Seattle | Private | $45,141 | 6900% | $70,500 | 70 |
University of Washington
Seattle, WA • University
Program Highlights
- • Average starting salary: $82,000
- • 84% four-year graduation rate
- • 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- • 100+ corporate partnerships
Program Strengths
- Industry partnerships with Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing
- 95% job placement rate within 6 months of graduation
- Access to UW's renowned tech research centers
- Strong alumni network in Seattle's tech ecosystem
- Interdisciplinary curriculum combining CS, business, and design
Why Ranked #1
UW's Information School combines technical rigor with business acumen, preparing students for leadership roles in technology companies. The program's proximity to major tech employers creates exceptional networking and internship opportunities.
Career Paths
Information Systems Manager
SOC 11-3021Lead technology teams and strategic planning initiatives. Oversee system implementations and digital transformation projects.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex datasets to drive business insights and decision-making. Build predictive models and data visualization systems.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Bridge business requirements with technical solutions. Design and implement information systems to improve organizational efficiency.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1141Manage and secure organizational databases. Ensure data integrity, performance optimization, and backup systems.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect organizational information systems from security threats. Monitor networks and respond to security incidents.
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Design and build software applications and systems. Create solutions that solve business problems through technology.
How to Choose the Right Information Systems Program in Washington
Selecting an information systems program requires careful evaluation of your career goals, learning preferences, and financial situation. Washington's diverse program offerings span from research-intensive universities to practical, industry-focused curricula.
Consider location carefully. Seattle-based programs like University of Washington and Seattle University offer direct access to major tech employers, facilitating internships and full-time opportunities. However, these programs also face higher living costs and increased competition.
Public universities provide exceptional value for in-state students. WSU and Central Washington University offer comprehensive programs at significantly lower costs than private alternatives. Compare total program costs including living expenses, not just tuition figures.
- Research faculty expertise in your areas of interest (cybersecurity, data analytics, cloud computing)
- Evaluate internship placement rates and corporate partnership strength
- Consider program flexibility for working students or career changers
- Review alumni networks and career services support quality
- Assess technology resources and lab access for hands-on learning
Which Should You Choose?
- You want maximum career flexibility and advancement potential
- Graduate school is in your future plans
- You thrive in competitive, high-achieving environments
- Tech industry leadership roles appeal to you
- You want strong academics at affordable costs
- You prefer balanced campus life with diverse student body
- You value established alumni networks across industries
- You're interested in both technical and business applications
- You prefer smaller class sizes and personalized attention
- You value close faculty mentoring relationships
- You want accelerated or flexible program options
- Financial aid makes costs comparable to public options
Information Systems Program Admission Requirements
Washington information systems programs maintain competitive admission standards, with top-ranked schools requiring strong academic preparation in mathematics and analytical reasoning. Most programs prefer students with prior exposure to programming or business concepts.
Typical admission requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA, completion of college algebra or precalculus, and demonstrated writing proficiency. Some programs require specific business or computer science prerequisites, particularly for direct admission to competitive majors.
- High school diploma or equivalent with strong math background
- SAT scores 1200+ or ACT 26+ for competitive programs
- Letters of recommendation emphasizing analytical and leadership skills
- Personal statement highlighting technology interests and career goals
- Portfolio or project examples for transfer students with relevant experience
Transfer students should complete foundational courses in mathematics, business, and computer science at community colleges to strengthen applications. Many programs offer guaranteed admission agreements with Washington state community colleges, providing clear pathways for transfer students.
4 years
Average Program Length
$10,900-$12,400
In-State Tuition Range
89%
Job Placement Rate
15+
Professional Certifications
200+
Industry Partnerships
25,000+
Alumni Network
Tuition Costs and Financial Aid Opportunities
Washington residents benefit from some of the most affordable public higher education costs in the Pacific Northwest. In-state students at public universities pay between $10,900-$12,400 annually for tuition and fees, while out-of-state students face costs of $38,000-$40,000.
Financial aid significantly reduces costs for eligible students. The average Pell Grant recipient receives $6,895 annually, while Washington State Need Grant provides additional support up to $12,394 for qualifying in-state students.
Technology-focused scholarships offer additional funding opportunities. Major companies including Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing provide substantial scholarships for information systems students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
- Washington State Need Grant: Up to $12,394 annually for eligible residents
- College Bound Scholarship: Full tuition coverage for qualifying students
- Tech company scholarships: $2,500-$15,000 from industry leaders
- Merit-based institutional aid: $3,000-$25,000 based on academic achievement
- Work-study programs: 15-20 hours weekly at $16-18 per hour
What Students Say About Washington Information Systems Programs
"The UW Information School connected me directly with Amazon for my internship, which led to my full-time offer. The faculty genuinely care about student success."
— Recent UW Graduate
"WSU's MIS program gave me the perfect blend of business and technical skills. I felt prepared for leadership roles from day one."
— 2024 Graduate
Key Themes from Reviews
Industry Connections
Students consistently highlight the value of corporate partnerships and internship access
Practical Curriculum
Coursework directly applicable to real-world business and technology challenges
Career Support
Strong career services and alumni networks facilitate job placement
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Information Systems Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Federal database of college costs, graduation rates, and post-graduation earnings
Employment projections and wage data for information systems occupations
Institutional characteristics, enrollment, and graduation data
State higher education data and financial aid information
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.