Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Career Technical Institute

At $24,935 a year after graduation, Career Technical Institute's IT certificate program delivers earnings less than half the national median for this credential. While that puts it in just the 13th percentile nationally, here's the critical context: it actually ranks in the 60th percentile among DC programs, and with only two schools offering this certificate in the district, the local market appears depressed across the board. The $7,652 debt load is modest enough that graduates can manage it even on these low starting salaries—the 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within reasonable territory.

The real question is whether a certificate that launches graduates at $25,000 makes sense when the national norm for this same credential is $42,000. With 81% of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves a population that may have limited alternatives, but families should understand they're likely getting trained for lower-tier IT roles rather than the well-compensated tech positions often associated with computer credentials. The minimal debt is a silver lining, but it doesn't change the fundamental economics: this certificate opens doors to jobs that pay barely above minimum wage in an expensive city.

If your child needs a quick credential to enter the workforce and staying in DC is essential, the low debt makes this manageable. But if they can relocate or invest in a more robust program elsewhere, the earning potential would likely justify it.