Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Bellingham Technical College

Information technology programs in Washington typically produce first-year earnings around $40,000, and this Bellingham program appears to track with that state average. Based on comparable Associate's programs nationally, graduates here might expect about $41,752 in their first year—not spectacular for tech, but reasonable for an entry-level credential. The estimated $17,500 in debt is notably lower than the national median of $21,480 for similar programs, giving this program a manageable 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio.

The challenge is context: IT is a broad field, and Associate's degrees in "administration and management" can lead to helpdesk roles, basic network support, or entry-level systems work—all of which vary widely in earning potential. What peer programs suggest is that you're buying access to the tech sector at a lower debt cost than many alternatives, but you're not buying the higher earnings that come with more specialized credentials or Bachelor's degrees in computer science or engineering.

For families weighing this option, the relatively modest debt matters more than the middling earnings estimate. If your student can leverage this into steady work with upward mobility—many IT careers reward certifications and experience over credentials alone—the numbers work. But understand you're starting at the bottom of the tech salary ladder, and climbing will require initiative beyond the degree itself.