Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Fortis College-Centerville

When 71% of students need Pell grants and estimated debt reaches $25,849, parents should carefully evaluate this program's value. Based on three comparable IT administration programs in Ohio, first-year earnings average $41,832—squarely aligned with the national median for associate's degrees in this field. However, the estimated debt here exceeds both Ohio's typical $23,137 and the national median of $21,480 for these programs, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 that's higher than ideal for a two-year credential.

The earnings picture appears solid—similar IT programs in Ohio cluster around $42,000, and even the national 75th percentile only reaches $46,658, suggesting limited upside variation. The concern is whether Fortis's estimated debt premium of roughly $2,700-4,400 over peer programs delivers commensurate value. Nearby Cincinnati State and Central Ohio Technical College report actual earnings in the same range while likely carrying lower price tags as public institutions.

For a family weighing this investment, the key question is cost certainty. Request the school's actual graduate outcomes and compare total program costs against local community colleges offering IT credentials. The field itself appears stable—IT administration jobs consistently demand associate's-level skills—but at this debt level, your child would need to secure employment quickly to avoid financial strain. If Fortis offers stronger job placement support or accelerated completion than alternatives, that could justify the premium; otherwise, less expensive paths to the same $42,000 outcome exist in Ohio.