Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at American Public University System

American Public University System's IT management program punches well above its weight, placing graduates in the 79th percentile nationally for earnings while keeping debt below the national average. That $66,588 starting salary edges out the national median by nearly $9,000, and graduates see steady income growth to nearly $80,000 by year four—a trajectory that suggests real career momentum rather than an early plateau.

The debt picture makes this especially compelling: at just 37% of first-year earnings, the $24,564 median debt is manageable compared to the typical burden for this degree. Among West Virginia's limited IT management options, this program sits right at the state median for earnings while maintaining slightly lower debt. The online format of APUS likely explains why a quarter of students receive Pell grants—accessibility matters when you're working full-time while earning your degree.

Here's what seals it: strong starting pay, meaningful salary growth, and a debt load that won't derail other financial goals. For families weighing return on investment in IT education, this program delivers competitive outcomes without the premium price tag of traditional residential programs.