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

College of Western Idaho's IT Administration certificate comes with a significant caveat: we're looking at fewer than 30 graduates, which means these numbers could swing substantially year to year. That said, the available data suggests this program performs reasonably well within Idaho—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide—even though it trails the national median by about $2,300 annually.

The debt picture is the real strength here. At $15,327, graduates owe less than the typical bachelor's degree holder, and with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38, most students should manage repayment within a few years. Earnings of $40,000 in year one aren't remarkable, but the 13% growth to $45,000 by year four shows steady progression. For context, this certificate gets you into the workforce faster than a four-year degree while keeping debt manageable—though you'll likely start at a lower salary than bachelor's-holding IT professionals.

The small sample size means you can't rely on these numbers alone. Talk to current students or recent grads directly to understand job placement rates and whether local employers value this credential. For students who need to enter the workforce quickly or want to test their interest in IT without committing to a bachelor's degree, this could work. But if your child has the time and resources for a four-year degree, that path typically opens more doors in technology careers.