Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Cuyahoga Community College District

Based on comparable IT programs in Ohio, this associate degree appears positioned to deliver what most families would consider a reasonable outcome—estimated first-year earnings around $41,800 against roughly $17,500 in debt. That 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates would need to devote less than half their first year's salary to completely eliminate their educational debt, a manageable threshold for most entry-level tech workers.

The estimated debt figure here runs notably lower than both the state median ($23,137) and national median ($21,480) for similar programs. Whether that reflects Cuyahoga's actual affordability or simply differences in the comparison set, lower borrowing creates more breathing room for graduates navigating the early stages of IT careers. The earnings estimate aligns almost exactly with both state and national medians for this credential, suggesting typical rather than exceptional earning power—but typical in tech fields still means employable skills.

What parents should understand is that these figures come from peer programs rather than verified outcomes from Cuyahoga's graduates specifically. The small graduate sample that triggered data suppression could reflect program size, recent changes, or other factors worth investigating directly with the school. If your child can complete this program near the estimated debt level and secure work in the $40,000+ range, you're looking at a practical investment. The risk is that actual outcomes could vary significantly from these estimates in either direction.