Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Florida Atlantic University

This undergraduate certificate sits right at the national median for IT administration programs, with first-year earnings around $42,000 and estimated debt of $12,500—translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30 that's well within manageable territory. That means monthly loan payments would represent roughly 3-4% of gross monthly income, leaving plenty of breathing room. Similar programs across Florida's 59 schools cluster in the same $39,000-$42,000 range, suggesting this is what the credential typically commands in the state's job market.

The critical question is whether a certificate from FAU—rather than a cheaper community college route—justifies the investment. Miami Dade and St. Petersburg College produce comparable outcomes at likely lower cost, and those schools specifically serve students looking for affordable IT credentials. FAU's 73% admission rate and moderate SAT scores suggest it's accessible, but you're potentially paying university prices for outcomes that peer programs deliver more economically.

For families where the student is already enrolled at FAU and can complete this certificate efficiently as a complement to other coursework, the financials work fine. But if this certificate is the primary goal, scrutinize the total cost carefully. Similar programs statewide produce similar results, so the school name matters less than keeping debt minimal and getting the technical skills employers actually need.