Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Columbia College

This bachelor's program in IT administration carries an estimated $27,000 in debt—roughly the national median for this credential—but the real question is whether it can deliver earnings that justify that investment. Based on comparable programs in Missouri, first-year earnings around $62,891 appear competitive with the state median and align with what graduates from Lindenwood and Southeast Missouri State typically earn. That puts the debt-to-earnings ratio at a manageable 0.43, meaning graduates would owe less than half their first-year salary.

The challenge here is uncertainty. With 10 schools offering this program in Missouri and over 350 nationally, outcomes vary significantly. While the estimated earnings match Missouri's median for IT administration programs, they're only modestly above the national median of $58,056, suggesting this isn't necessarily a premium outcome. Columbia College serves a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (44%), which often correlates with graduates entering the workforce with practical experience but potentially fewer high-earning network connections.

For a parent weighing this investment, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value if your student is disciplined about managing debt and securing relevant internships during school. But without actual graduate outcomes from Columbia College specifically, you're making a bet that this program performs at least as well as peer institutions in Missouri. If your student has admission offers from programs with reported data—like those at Lindenwood or Southeast Missouri State—those provide more concrete evidence of what to expect.