Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Highline College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 suggests manageable borrowing for a bachelor's in IT management, though it's worth noting these figures come from similar programs nationally since Highline's specific outcomes aren't available. With estimated first-year earnings around $58,000 against roughly $25,000 in debt, graduates would be looking at monthly loan payments that shouldn't overwhelm a tech salary—assuming the national pattern holds in the Seattle area.

The caution here is that other Washington programs typically produce stronger results. The state median for this degree is $66,000—about $8,000 more annually than what comparable programs nationally suggest. Western Washington graduates earn $72,000 in their first year, while even Columbia Basin College's program shows $59,500. If Highline's program performs more like state peers than national ones, the value proposition improves considerably. If it tracks closer to the national average, your child might be leaving money on the table compared to other Washington options.

The fundamental question is whether Highline's specific outcomes align more with Washington's higher-earning IT market or the broader national picture. Without actual graduate data from this program, you're making an educated bet that location matters more than the national benchmark suggests. That's often true in tech hubs like greater Seattle, but it's not guaranteed for every program.