Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at CUNY LaGuardia Community College

A debt load around $12,000 for a credential yielding roughly $42,000 in first-year earnings—based on national patterns for similar IT administration certificates—suggests a manageable financial picture. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 means students would owe about three months' salary, well below the threshold where debt becomes burdensome. For a community college serving a substantial population of Pell grant recipients, this represents an accessible entry point into tech work without the multi-year commitment of a bachelor's degree.

The caveat here is uncertainty. Because LaGuardia's actual graduate outcomes aren't publicly reported for this specific program, we're relying on what comparable IT certificate programs typically produce nationwide. Your child's actual earnings could vary significantly depending on whether they leverage this credential into help desk work, basic systems administration, or simply use it as a stepping stone toward further education. New York's tech job market offers strong upside, but certificate holders often need to demonstrate additional skills or certifications to compete for better-paying positions.

The low debt burden makes this a relatively low-risk option if your child is exploring tech without committing to a four-year degree. But confirm what career services support looks like and whether graduates are actually landing IT roles, since the estimated figures alone can't tell you how well LaGuardia specifically prepares students for the job market.