Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Bryant & Stratton College-Albany

Bryant & Stratton College-Albany's IT program starts graduates at $31,581—well below the national median of $41,752—but delivers something unusual: strong earnings momentum. Four years out, graduates reach $42,861, a 36% jump that actually surpasses the national median. This trajectory matters because many associate's degree programs plateau quickly, but this one shows meaningful career progression.

The numbers look very different depending on your comparison point. Nationally, this program ranks in just the 10th percentile, which sounds alarming. But within New York, it hits the 60th percentile, reflecting the reality that IT associate's degrees in the state generally underperform national averages. At $23,137 in debt with a 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates can reasonably manage payments even during that lower-earning first year. The college serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population (65%), suggesting it's successfully launching students from modest backgrounds into tech careers with growth potential.

The key question is patience. If your child needs strong immediate earnings to support loan payments, the $31,581 starting salary creates a tight first few years. But if they can weather that initial period—perhaps living at home or supplementing with part-time work—the four-year earnings suggest genuine career development. For families prioritizing quick entry into IT work over a four-year degree's time and cost, this path delivers eventual results, just not instant ones.