Business Operations Support and Assistant Services at Interactive College of Technology-Newport

Interactive College of Technology-Newport's Business Operations certificate costs about $7,700—substantially less than both the national median ($9,500) and state median ($12,125) for this program. First-year graduates earn around $28,800, which beats 80% of similar programs nationally and sits comfortably above Kentucky's median of $26,600. That combination of lower debt and higher-than-expected earnings creates an unusually favorable starting position for a certificate program serving a predominantly low-income student body.

The concern lies in what happens next: earnings drop to roughly $25,000 by year four, a 13% decline that's hard to explain with such a small sample size (under 30 graduates). This could reflect data noise, or it might suggest graduates struggle to advance beyond entry-level administrative roles. Compare this to West Kentucky Community and Technical College, where similar certificate holders maintain steadier earnings around $26,600.

For families considering this program, the low debt load makes it a relatively safe bet—you're not gambling much financially. Just understand that the administrative support field may have limited upward mobility without additional credentials or experience. The certificate provides affordable entry into the workforce, but your child may need to continue building skills to increase earning potential over time.