Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Edmonds College

Edmonds College keeps debt under control at $17,500, which is $4,000 below what most IT administration programs nationally charge for an associate degree. That's meaningful savings for what's ultimately a two-year credential. Based on comparable programs nationally, first-year earnings of roughly $42,000 suggest this program lands graduates in entry-level IT positions—not the high-paying developer roles that dominate Seattle tech headlines, but solid administrative and support work.

The 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in reasonable territory, meaning graduates would owe less than half their first year's salary. Peer programs in Washington show similar patterns, with graduates at comparable colleges earning between $39,000 and $42,000. The challenge is that these are estimated figures derived from national data, not actual outcomes tracked for Edmonds students, so there's uncertainty about how this specific program connects students to local employers.

For families weighing this investment, the lower debt burden is the clearest advantage. If your student needs a credential quickly and wants to enter IT without racking up bachelor's-degree-level debt, this path makes practical sense. But push the school on job placement specifics—where do their graduates actually work, and what roles do they fill? Those details matter more than estimates when you're deciding whether $17,500 in debt will pay off in Washington's competitive tech market.