Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Gordon Cooper Technology Center

A debt load of $12,000 for a tech certificate is manageable on its own, but the earnings picture here requires some caution. Based on peer programs nationally, graduates typically earn around $42,000 in their first year—a solid foundation for an entry-level IT role. However, Oklahoma's IT certificate market tells a different story: programs in the state typically produce graduates earning just $27,000 initially, significantly below what similar programs achieve elsewhere.

This gap matters because you're evaluating a local credential that will likely compete in Oklahoma's job market. While Gordon Cooper's program could perform above the state average—perhaps attracting better employers or offering stronger placement support—the state's track record suggests first-year earnings closer to $27,000 are more realistic than the national $42,000 figure. At that lower earning level, the debt ratio becomes less attractive, though still workable at around 0.44.

The best-case scenario is that this program matches national outcomes and graduates land $42,000 jobs, making the $12,000 debt easily manageable. The likelier scenario, based on what we see from other Oklahoma programs, is more modest earnings that will require tighter budgeting early on. Before committing, verify where recent graduates actually work and what they're earning—this local context will matter far more than national benchmarks.