Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at ECPI University

ECPI University's Computer/Information Technology program produces graduates who earn significantly less than their peers nationwide, ranking in just the 16th percentile for early-career earnings at $49,317. While the program performs better within Virginia (40th percentile), graduates still earn about $8,000 less than the state median and fall well short of top Virginia programs like Old Dominion University, where graduates earn $65,838.

The debt picture offers some relief—at $38,120, graduates carry more debt than the national median but less than many programs, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77. The 17% earnings growth over four years is encouraging, bringing graduates closer to competitive salary levels by year four. However, even after this growth, earnings remain below both national and state medians for the field.

For families considering this program, the central question is whether the accessible admission requirements and career-focused training justify the earnings gap. ECPI serves a population where nearly half receive Pell grants, suggesting it provides opportunities for students who might not otherwise access higher education. However, parents should weigh this against the reality that graduates will likely start their careers at a financial disadvantage compared to peers from other Virginia tech programs, even accounting for the program's lower debt levels.