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

College of Western Idaho's IT program starts graduates at below-average earnings—$35,040 versus a national median of $41,752—but shows impressive upward momentum, with salaries climbing 33% to reach $46,651 by year four. Within Idaho, this program actually sits above the state median, ranking in the 60th percentile among the handful of similar programs, though it's worth noting the limited pool of comparison schools makes this benchmark less reliable.

The debt picture offers genuine relief here. At $15,028, graduates carry roughly 30% less debt than the national typical burden of $21,480, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 means most graduates can realistically pay this off within a year or two of entering the workforce. That combination—manageable debt and strong earnings trajectory—matters more than the modest starting salary.

The catch is that first year: $35,040 is livable in Idaho but tight, and graduates will need patience as their skills and experience translate into better-paying roles. For families focused on minimizing debt and betting on career progression rather than immediate high earnings, this program delivers on both fronts. But if your student needs strong starting wages right away, the initial earnings gap is real.