Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Arapahoe Community College

The debt-to-earnings ratio here looks reasonable at first glance—$17,500 in estimated debt against $41,750 in first-year earnings. That 0.42 ratio suggests manageable repayment. But here's the caveat: both figures are national estimates because Arapahoe's graduate sample is too small for the Department of Education to report actual outcomes. We're essentially looking at what typical two-year IT administration programs produce nationwide, not what's actually happened to recent graduates from this specific college.

That said, the estimated earnings align with the national median for associate's programs in this field, which provides some reassurance. The projected debt is actually below the national median of $21,480, suggesting Arapahoe may be more affordable than peer institutions. For context, IT administration associate's degrees nationwide typically lead to entry-level help desk, network support, or systems administration roles—positions that can provide steady income and clear advancement paths as you gain experience and certifications.

The practical challenge is uncertainty. Without reported outcomes, you're betting on whether Arapahoe's specific program connections, instructor quality, and curriculum match what successful programs elsewhere deliver. Before committing, push the school for concrete placement data: where do graduates actually land jobs, and do local employers actively recruit from this program? The numbers suggest a workable investment if execution matches the national norm, but verify the school can deliver on that promise.