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

Colorado's tech sector offers opportunities, but this certificate program shows estimated first-year earnings of $42,271—solidly middle-of-the-road for IT credentials nationally. Based on peer programs across the country, you'd be looking at roughly $12,000 in debt for a credential that delivers essentially the national median outcome for this field. That 0.28 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, putting the program among the more affordable entry points into IT administration work.

The challenge here is uncertainty. With only five schools in Colorado offering this credential and no reported outcomes data from any of them, there's limited visibility into how these programs actually perform in the local job market. The estimated $42,271 is drawn from national data, which may or may not reflect what CSU Pueblo graduates specifically encounter in southern Colorado's tech landscape. The school's open-admission policy and modest test scores suggest a different student population than you'd find at more selective institutions, which could affect outcomes.

For parents weighing this investment, the math works on paper—a year's salary would cover the debt nearly four times over. But you're essentially betting on national averages translating locally. If your student needs a credential quickly to transition into IT work and $12,000 feels manageable, this could serve that purpose. Just recognize you're making this decision with limited information about how this specific program actually performs.