Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Colorado State University Global

A $12,000 investment in this undergraduate certificate could make sense for someone already working in tech who needs formal credentials, but the estimated $42,000 first-year earnings figure—drawn from peer programs nationally—suggests this isn't a fast track to high-paying jobs. That debt load is manageable compared to the returns, with graduates typically owing just over three months of their first year's salary. However, similar programs nationally produce a wide range of outcomes, with top performers seeing earnings around $48,000 and others likely falling below $40,000.

The key question is whether this certificate provides enough skill-building and credentialing to justify the time and money. Colorado State University Global's online format serves working adults well, but certificates in IT administration often compete with bootcamps, associate degrees, and employer-sponsored training programs that may cost less or deliver faster results. The estimated figures here reflect what students at comparable programs experience, not necessarily what this specific program delivers—and in a field where hands-on skills and certifications matter as much as degrees, that distinction matters.

For someone with no IT background hoping to break into the field, this may be a decent starting point if it includes practical skills in network administration or systems management. For someone already employed who just needs the credential for advancement, the modest debt makes it low-risk. But if your child is choosing between this certificate and a two-year associate degree at similar cost, the longer program typically opens more doors.