Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Aspen University

An estimated $10,432 in debt for an undergraduate certificate is relatively modest, but the projected first-year earnings of around $42,000—based on national peer programs—trail what similar IT certificates in Arizona typically deliver. The University of Phoenix reports actual outcomes at over $50,000 for comparable credentials, suggesting this certificate may not compete as effectively in the local market. The debt-to-earnings ratio looks reasonable on paper at 0.25, but that calculation depends entirely on estimated figures rather than Aspen's actual graduate outcomes.

The bigger question is whether an undergraduate certificate in IT administration positions graduates competitively when Arizona's median for this credential sits nearly $8,000 higher than the national average. If peer programs in your state are producing substantially better results, that gap matters—especially in a field where credentials often serve as stepping stones to higher-paying roles. With only 13% of Aspen students receiving Pell grants, this isn't primarily serving students who need the most affordable pathway into tech.

Given the lack of reported outcomes specific to Aspen, you're essentially betting on whether this program performs at, above, or below the national average. If your child can access programs with verified track records in Arizona's stronger IT market, those would offer more certainty about return on investment.