Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Cape Cod Community College

Is a two-year IT degree worth $17,500 in debt when comparable programs in Massachusetts suggest first-year earnings around $25,000? That's the uncomfortable question Cape Cod Community College's program raises. While national peer programs indicate earnings could reach nearly $42,000, the actual Massachusetts data tells a different story—Springfield Technical Community College, the only state school with reported outcomes, shows graduates earning just $25,478. That would push the debt burden to 69% of first-year income, well above comfortable territory.

The discrepancy between national and state benchmarks matters here. IT administration roles exist everywhere, but Massachusetts' tech economy is concentrated in Boston and Cambridge, not Cape Cod. If graduates stay locally, where tourism dominates the job market, they're more likely to see earnings closer to that $25,000 figure than the $42,000 national median. Even at the higher estimate, a 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable but not impressive for a field known for accessible entry points.

For families weighing this program, location becomes the critical variable. If your student can relocate to Boston or out-of-state after graduation, the numbers improve considerably. But if they'll be job-hunting on the Cape, where IT opportunities are limited, the debt load looks riskier relative to realistic starting salaries. Consider whether a certificate program or entry-level help desk role might build skills with less financial commitment.