Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Clover Park Technical College

A certificate program in IT administration at Clover Park Technical College appears positioned to deliver solid returns, though we're working with national benchmarks since this specific program's graduate cohort is too small for the DOE to publish outcomes. Similar certificate programs across the country suggest first-year earnings around $42,000 against estimated debt of $12,000—a manageable 0.28 debt-to-earnings ratio that could be paid down within a year or two of focused effort.

Washington's tech economy makes this an interesting context for IT training, even at the certificate level. The state hosts 24 programs in this field, suggesting steady employer demand for technical skills. What matters here is whether a shorter certificate provides enough credential weight to open doors, versus pursuing an associate degree that might offer broader foundation. The estimated $12,000 debt load keeps risk contained—you're not betting the farm on a quick credential.

The practical question: Can your child leverage this certificate into entry-level IT work that pays near that $42,000 mark? Much depends on prior experience, networking, and the specific technical skills emphasized. Since these figures come from peer programs nationally rather than Clover Park's track record, connect with the program directly to understand where recent graduates actually landed and what employers in the Tacoma-Seattle corridor are hiring for. A certificate is only valuable if it opens specific doors your child can identify.