Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College

Similar tech management programs in Illinois typically produce first-year earnings around $42,000, which positions this Olive-Harvey associate's degree right at the state median. That's solid middle ground—not the $46,000+ that Southwestern Illinois College achieves, but competitive with other community colleges. The estimated debt of $17,500 creates a manageable 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning your child would owe roughly five months of their first-year salary.

What works in this program's favor is that tech credentials from community colleges often provide practical, employer-ready skills at a fraction of four-year costs. With 31% of students receiving Pell grants, Olive-Harvey serves a population where minimizing debt matters enormously. The estimated debt here sits below both state and national medians for this credential, which is meaningful when many associate's programs saddle graduates with $20,000 or more.

The caveat: these figures come from peer programs because Olive-Harvey's graduate numbers are too small to report publicly. That could signal either a new program still building enrollment or one with retention challenges—you'll want to ask the school directly about completion rates and job placement support. If your child can finish with debt near this estimate and enter Chicago's tech sector at $40,000+, it's a reasonable investment. Just confirm the program has strong industry connections, because in tech administration, internships and employer relationships often matter as much as the credential itself.