Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Hillsborough Community College

Hillsborough Community College's IT administration certificate carries $16,939 in median debt—substantially higher than the $12,500 typical for Florida programs and above the $12,000 national median. When peer programs in the state produce first-year earnings around $40,000 to $41,000, that debt load translates to a 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning students borrow roughly 40% of what they'll earn in their first year. For context, comparable programs at St. Petersburg College and Miami Dade College show similar earnings with notably less borrowing.

The financial picture matters more at a community college serving a population where 42% receive Pell grants. While IT certifications can open doors to stable work, this program's higher debt suggests students should scrutinize whether the credential justifies the cost compared to alternatives. The earnings themselves—estimated around $42,000—align with what similar Florida programs produce, so the issue isn't earning potential but rather how much students are paying to access it.

Your child might explore whether direct entry into IT support roles or certifications through lower-cost pathways could achieve similar outcomes with less debt. If Hillsborough offers specific connections to Tampa-area employers that justify the premium, that context would be worth investigating before committing.