Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs

Colorado Technical University's IT management program stands out for one remarkable trait: earnings nearly double within four years, jumping from $59k to $96k. That trajectory suggests graduates are moving into genuinely valuable roles—management positions or specialized technical tracks that reward experience. Among Colorado's six programs in this field, this one sits at the 60th percentile for starting salary, which is solid but not exceptional for in-state options.

The debt picture deserves attention. At $38,513, it's above the national median ($27,000) but keeps the initial debt-to-earnings ratio manageable at 0.65—you'd owe about eight months' salary. More importantly, by year four when earnings hit $96k, that debt burden becomes fairly minor. With 68% of students receiving Pell grants, this program appears to be serving students from modest backgrounds and delivering upward mobility.

Here's the bottom line: if your child can land in one of those higher-earning roles by year four, this program pays off well. The strong earnings growth suggests employers value these graduates increasingly over time. The debt is higher than ideal but not unreasonable given where graduates end up. Just understand that the first year or two will require careful budgeting—the real financial payoff comes with experience.