Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Kaskaskia College

Based on comparable IT administration programs in Illinois, this two-year degree suggests a workable financial proposition, with estimated first-year earnings around $42,000 against roughly $17,500 in debt—a ratio that would have graduates paying back less than half a year's salary. That debt estimate actually comes in below both the state and national medians for this credential, while the earnings align squarely with what similar Illinois programs typically produce.

The real question is whether an associate's degree provides enough runway in IT administration, where many positions increasingly expect bachelor's credentials or specialized certifications. Programs like Southwestern Illinois College show that similar two-year pathways in the state can launch graduates into the mid-$40,000s, suggesting there's variation in how well these programs connect students to employers. The limited data here—too few recent graduates to report actual outcomes—might reflect either a small cohort size or a program still finding its footing in the local job market.

For parents weighing this option, the estimated debt load is manageable if your student lands near that $42,000 mark and has a clear path to advancement or additional credentials. But with 29 competing programs in Illinois and actual outcome data unavailable for this specific school, you'll want to dig into job placement rates, employer partnerships, and whether graduates typically continue toward bachelor's degrees—details that matter more when estimates are all you have to work with.