Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Augusta University

Augusta University's IT administration certificate commands higher debt than typical for this credential, but the earnings justify the premium for students who complete it. At $27,917 in median debt, graduates carry more than double the national median for similar programs—yet they're earning $48,303 within their first year, placing them at the 75th percentile nationally and outperforming the Georgia state median by over $2,000.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 means graduates can expect to earn nearly twice their debt load in their first year, a manageable position for a technical certificate. Among Georgia's 27 programs, this ranks solidly in the 60th percentile for earnings while carrying debt levels more typical of associate degrees. The moderate sample size suggests this isn't a fluke—Augusta is consistently placing 30-100 graduates annually into IT roles that pay well above what most certificate programs deliver.

For families weighing cost versus outcome, this represents a calculated trade: you'll pay more upfront than at schools like Gwinnett Technical College, but the $4,000+ earnings advantage means that gap closes within the first year of work. Given the 89% admission rate and strong outcomes for a population where 38% receive Pell grants, this program appears to effectively convert accessibility into genuine career acceleration for students ready to enter IT management quickly.