Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Belmont College

Drawing on outcomes from comparable IT programs across Ohio, this associate's degree appears positioned right at the state median for first-year earnings at around $41,800—solidly middle-of-the-pack rather than a standout performer. The estimated $17,500 debt load, however, comes in notably below both the state median ($23,137) and national median ($21,480) for these programs, suggesting Belmont has managed costs better than many peers. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 means graduates would owe roughly five months of their first-year salary, a manageable starting point for an IT career.

The catch is that these figures are extrapolated from other Ohio programs since Belmont's graduate sample is too small for the Department of Education to report. Your child's actual outcomes could vary based on local employer demand in southeastern Ohio, the specific IT tracks Belmont emphasizes, and how well the curriculum aligns with regional job markets. Cincinnati State and Central Ohio Technical produce similar earnings outcomes with reported data, which offers some validation, but the wide range between top and bottom programs in the state shows that school quality matters.

For families weighing this investment, the lower debt estimate is the strongest selling point—it buys breathing room if the job search takes longer or starting salaries disappoint. But given the data limitations, you'd want to dig into Belmont's job placement rates and employer partnerships before committing.