Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Columbus Technical College

In Georgia, associate degrees in IT administration typically produce first-year earnings around $36,000—which is exactly where comparable programs suggest Columbus Technical College graduates land. That's roughly $5,700 below the national median for this credential, though it tracks with what most Georgia technical colleges report. The estimated $17,500 in debt is notably lower than both the state median ($25,849) and national figure ($21,480), creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 that looks manageable on paper.

The practical challenge here is the earnings ceiling. While some Georgia programs—particularly Chattahoochee and Gwinnett Technical Colleges—see graduates earning in the low $40,000s, Columbus Tech's peer-program estimate sits at the lower end of the state range. For a family where 54% of students qualify for Pell grants, that $36,000 starting point means tight margins, even with relatively modest debt. The field itself offers growth potential, but this specific estimate suggests starting salaries that may require careful budgeting.

Given the lack of actual outcome data for Columbus Tech's program, families should look closely at what other Georgia technical colleges achieve with similar credentials. The $8,000 earnings gap between this estimate and top-performing programs in the state matters significantly when you're managing nearly $18,000 in debt on a $36,000 salary.