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

A $12,000 investment in an undergraduate certificate might sound modest, but when peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $42,000, you're looking at a debt load equal to roughly three months of gross pay. That's a manageable starting point for IT work—comparable programs across Ohio typically produce similar outcomes, with graduates earning in the low-to-mid $40,000s. The question is whether this certificate provides enough credential value to compete with other pathways into tech, from community college associate degrees to boot camps.

The challenge with a certificate program is understanding what doors it actually opens. IT administration roles increasingly require either specialized certifications (CompTIA, Cisco) or bachelor's degrees for advancement. Based on what similar programs deliver nationally, you're getting entry-level access—help desk, junior support roles—but the ceiling may arrive quickly without additional credentials. The estimated debt is low enough that it won't become an anchor, but the earnings trajectory from this starting point matters more than the first paycheck.

For families weighing this option: the financial risk appears contained, but verify what specific skills and certifications this program delivers and whether employers in your target market recognize them. The difference between a certificate that stacks toward a degree and one that doesn't could determine whether this is a stepping stone or a detour.