Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at College of Eastern Idaho

A projected debt load of $12,000 against first-year earnings around $42,000 creates a manageable 0.28 debt-to-earnings ratio—the kind of number that suggests graduates should be able to handle their student loans without derailing other life plans. Based on national data from similar IT administration certificate programs, this earning potential sits right at the median, meaning it's neither exceptional nor disappointing for this credential type. The estimated debt figure, also drawn from national peers at similar institutions, appears relatively modest for a tech-focused program.

The challenge is that these are projections, not actual outcomes from College of Eastern Idaho graduates. The school's small cohort size means the Department of Education suppresses their specific data, leaving us to rely on what comparable programs elsewhere typically produce. Idaho's tech job market tends to pay slightly less than the national average—College of Western Idaho's similar program reports just under $40,000—so expecting significantly better outcomes here may be optimistic. Still, even at Idaho wage levels, the debt burden looks reasonable.

For parents, the appeal here is the certificate's relatively low cost and quick completion compared to a four-year degree. If your student can land an entry-level IT support or systems administration role near that $42,000 mark, the investment pencils out. Just recognize you're betting on your child matching outcomes from peer programs rather than proven results from this specific school.