Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Des Moines Area Community College

Des Moines Area Community College's IT management program reports exceptionally strong first-year earnings of $66,093—substantially above both Iowa's state median ($53,834) and the national figure ($41,752). At first glance, this looks like an outstanding outcome, ranking in the 95th percentile nationally. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could reflect a particularly successful cohort rather than consistent program performance. With only 10 Iowa schools offering this associate's degree, even a few high-earning graduates can significantly shift the statistics.

The debt picture is reasonable at $17,694, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.27—meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about three months of gross earnings. This is manageable debt for IT work, though it's worth noting the debt sits at the 74th percentile nationally, meaning three-quarters of similar programs graduate students with less debt.

For parents weighing this option, the reported earnings are impressive enough to warrant serious consideration, but verify current placement rates and talk to recent graduates if possible. The small sample size makes it difficult to guarantee your child will see similar results, but if the earnings hold up with larger cohorts, this represents a solid pathway into IT work without the cost of a four-year degree. Just recognize there's more uncertainty here than with programs that have larger, more stable track records.