Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Highline College

Similar IT administration programs in Washington typically produce first-year earnings around $40,000-$42,000, putting Highline's estimated outcomes squarely in the middle of the state's range. The projected debt load of $17,500—drawn from comparable programs at Washington community colleges—sits below the national median of $21,480 for this credential, which matters when you're evaluating whether an associate's degree can launch a tech career without excessive borrowing.

The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 suggests graduates could feasibly pay off their loans in under three years if they commit aggressively to repayment, though this assumes landing a job near that $41,750 mark right away. Washington's tech sector offers plenty of entry-level opportunities in IT support and systems administration, but competition is stiff and employers increasingly favor candidates with both credentials and demonstrable skills.

The critical unknown here is how Highline's specific program prepares students relative to competitors like Clover Park Technical, where reported outcomes sit at identical levels. With limited actual data from this program's graduates, parents should dig into job placement rates, internship partnerships, and whether the curriculum includes hands-on experience with current enterprise systems—factors that often separate programs producing $40,000 earners from those launching $50,000+ careers in Seattle's tech-adjacent roles.