Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Central Ohio Technical College

Starting at $41,832 in year one puts Central Ohio Technical College right at the median for IT associate's programs both nationally and in Ohio—solidly middle-of-the-pack performance. What distinguishes this program is the estimated debt load: around $17,500, which is notably lower than both the state median of $23,137 and the national median of $21,480 for similar programs. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42, graduates would need roughly five months of their first year's salary to cover the entire educational investment, assuming they dedicated all earnings to debt repayment.

The limited data here (earnings are actual, but debt figures are estimated from national patterns) makes precise assessment difficult. However, the fundamentals look reasonable: tech credentials typically offer stable employment prospects, and keeping debt below $20,000 for a program that delivers median earnings reduces financial risk significantly. The real question is career trajectory—first-year earnings tell you about entry points, but IT fields can vary dramatically in advancement potential depending on specific roles and continued skill development.

For parents weighing this investment, the combination of actual median earnings and lower-than-typical estimated debt suggests a manageable financial outcome, but recognize you're making this decision with incomplete information about this specific program's track record. If your student has other IT program options nearby with fully reported data, comparing those concrete outcomes would give you more confidence.