Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Bates Technical College

This two-year IT management program shows estimated debt of $17,500 against first-year earnings around $41,750—a manageable 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio that compares favorably to the national median debt of $21,480 for similar programs. Since actual outcomes aren't reported due to small graduate cohorts, these figures draw from peer programs across Washington and the nation, but the pattern is encouraging: tech-focused associate's degrees in this state typically lead to immediate employment in the $39,000-$42,000 range.

What works here is the relationship between investment and return. Borrowing under $20,000 for skills that command over $40,000 immediately creates realistic repayment timelines, especially in Washington's growing tech sector where companies increasingly hire IT support specialists without requiring bachelor's degrees. The low Pell grant percentage (9%) suggests either strong community college affordability or a student body with existing resources, though it's worth noting this figure alone doesn't tell the full financial aid story.

The caveat: without actual graduate data, you're betting on the probability that Bates Technical College's outcomes mirror those of comparable programs rather than knowing what their specific graduates achieve. For a two-year technical credential with relatively modest borrowing, that's a reasonable risk—but verify the program's employment connections and whether graduates land the help desk, network admin, or systems support roles that justify these salary estimates.