Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at George Washington University

George Washington University's IT management program punches well above its weight nationally—graduates earn $86,753 their first year out, nearly 50% more than the typical program in this field. The debt load of $18,143 is exceptionally manageable, less than three months' salary, giving graduates immediate financial flexibility that's rare even among strong tech programs.

The DC context matters here. While GW graduates place in the 60th percentile locally, that's because DC's small tech market skews heavily toward high-earning federal contractors and established firms. What's more telling is that this program substantially outperforms the national landscape, where 95% of similar programs produce lower earnings. For students willing to look beyond the immediate DC metro area—or leverage GW's national network—this program opens doors across major tech hubs.

The real question is whether the full cost of attending GW (beyond just the debt captured here) justifies the outcome. At less than a quarter of first-year earnings in debt, graduates have room to absorb those additional costs while still coming out ahead. For families who can manage GW's price tag without excessive borrowing, this program delivers competitive tech-sector earnings with the credibility of a respected name.