Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Kent State University at East Liverpool

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 sits comfortably in manageable territory for a short-term IT credential, but remember that both the $42,271 first-year salary and $12,000 debt load are national averages from similar programs, not specific outcomes from Kent State East Liverpool. These estimates track almost exactly with Ohio's median earnings for IT certificates ($42,095), suggesting typical performance rather than exceptional results.

The bigger question is what this certificate actually delivers in terms of job placement and skill development. IT credentials vary wildly in value depending on whether they lead to help desk roles, network administration, or specialized technical positions. Programs at the higher end of Ohio's range, like MyComputerCareer at Columbus where graduates earn $46,000, demonstrate that stronger outcomes are achievable within the state. The modest Pell grant participation (24%) at this campus might indicate limited student services or support infrastructure, which matters when you're trying to break into competitive IT job markets.

For parents considering this program, the risk isn't catastrophic debt—the estimated load is reasonable—but rather unclear differentiation. Without actual outcome data, you're betting that this certificate will perform like the average IT program nationally. If your child already has some IT experience or clear connections to Ohio employers, this could work as an affordable credential boost. But if they're starting from scratch and hoping the certificate alone will open doors, comparable programs with proven placement records deserve serious consideration first.