Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Centura College-Virginia Beach

Similar IT programs in Virginia suggest first-year earnings around $49,000, which would make the estimated $25,849 in debt manageable—at least initially. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 sits comfortably below the danger zone, and given that 71% of students here receive Pell grants, this level of borrowing might represent a realistic path into tech for students without family resources.

The concerning part is what happens after year one. By year four, actual reported earnings drop to $35,269—a decline that's hard to explain in a field where salaries typically rise. This could reflect graduates moving to lower-cost-of-living areas, part-time work, or career changes, but it raises questions about the staying power of this credential. Meanwhile, comparable Virginia programs show a wide range: Northern Virginia Community College graduates earn $54,742 in their first year, while Bryant & Stratton sits at $31,581.

For families weighing this investment, the numbers suggest caution. If the first-year estimates hold true, graduates could reasonably manage their debt. But the year-four earnings drop means this program likely doesn't provide the upward trajectory many families expect from a tech credential. Before committing, compare actual job placement rates and alumni outcomes against other Virginia IT programs—particularly Northern Virginia Community College, which serves a similar population at lower cost and produces stronger earnings.