Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Florida State College at Jacksonville

Florida State College at Jacksonville's IT management program produces graduates earning $47,420 right out of school—beating both the national median ($41,752) and Florida's median ($45,819) for this field. That's a solid start for an associate's degree, and the debt load of $15,042 is notably lower than what most IT students carry (national median: $21,480). The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 means graduates owe less than four months of income, making this affordable by any measure.

The earnings trajectory looks promising too: grads see income climb to $55,171 within four years, a 16% increase that suggests the degree opens doors to better positions over time. Among Florida's 32 schools offering this program, FSCJ sits comfortably in the 60th percentile—middle of the pack in-state but well ahead of the national average. You'll find stronger earners at places like Strayer ($61,810) and St. Pete College ($52,458), but they likely come with higher price tags.

The one catch: these numbers come from fewer than 30 graduates, so your child's experience could vary more than usual. Still, the combination of above-average starting pay, manageable debt, and steady earnings growth makes this a reasonable bet for students seeking quick entry into IT work without four-year commitment or expense.