Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Kent State University at Geauga

A 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio tells a practical story: graduates from similar programs in Ohio would need to dedicate roughly five months of their first year's salary to loan payments—a manageable burden by most standards. Based on comparable IT administration programs in the state, you're looking at roughly $41,800 in first-year earnings against an estimated $17,500 in debt. That's notably lower debt than the $23,000 typical for Ohio programs in this field, though without actual outcomes from Kent State Geaugh specifically, it's hard to know whether their particular pathway delivers on that promise.

What matters here is context: this is an associate's degree in a field where many employers prefer bachelor's credentials. The earnings figures from peer programs suggest these graduates find work—Cincinnati State and Central Ohio Tech both report similar outcomes around $42,000—but it's worth asking whether a two-year credential provides enough runway for career growth in IT administration, where certifications and additional education often become necessary. The lower estimated debt could reflect Kent State's regional campus structure keeping costs down, which would be an advantage if the program delivers comparable job placement.

For parents, the calculation hinges on what this degree represents—a complete credential or a stepping stone. If your student plans to transfer and complete a bachelor's, the manageable debt load makes this a reasonable start. If they're stopping at the associate's, verify what specific jobs this program has actually placed graduates into, since the state-derived earnings tell you what's possible but not what this campus delivers.