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

Similar IT management programs in Ohio suggest first-year earnings around $41,800 with estimated debt of $17,500—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 that falls comfortably below concerning thresholds. What's particularly favorable here is the estimated debt load: it sits roughly $6,000 below what Ohio programs typically produce and nearly $4,000 below the national median for this credential. If these peer-based estimates hold true for Kent State's program, graduates would carry meaningfully less debt than most of their in-state competitors while earning comparable salaries.

The earnings estimate aligns closely with both state and national medians for associate's-level IT management programs, suggesting typical outcomes for the credential rather than anything exceptional. Nearby Cincinnati State and Central Ohio Technical College report actual earnings in the same $41,000-$42,000 range, lending credibility to these projections. The real question is whether Kent State's lower estimated debt reflects actual program economics or simply the limitations of comparing across different institution types.

For an anxious parent, the estimated numbers point to a manageable financial picture—debt that could reasonably be paid down within a few years on typical entry-level IT earnings. But recognize you're making this decision with borrowed data from peer programs, not actual outcomes from Kent State graduates. If your student is already committed to Kent State for other reasons, these estimates suggest the IT program shouldn't derail that choice. If you're comparison shopping, prioritize schools with reported outcomes where you can see actual graduate results.