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

Based on comparable IT management programs in Ohio, graduates here would face an estimated $17,500 in debt—roughly $5,600 less than the state median for this credential. That's a meaningful difference when paired with first-year earnings around $41,800, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42. Similar programs across the state show first-year earnings clustering tightly in the low-$40,000s, suggesting a fairly predictable entry point into the field.

The tech sector in Northeast Ohio offers genuine opportunity, and an associate's degree in IT administration can open doors without the debt load of a bachelor's program. With 29% of students receiving Pell grants, Kent State Stark appears accessible to families navigating financial constraints. The challenge is that we're working with estimates derived from peer programs rather than this campus's actual outcomes, so there's inherent uncertainty about whether graduates here match, exceed, or fall short of those benchmarks.

If your child is committed to IT and wants to avoid four-year tuition, this pathway makes financial sense—the estimated debt is manageable on typical starting salaries. Just recognize you're betting on Kent State Stark performing like its Ohio peers. Before committing, push the school for any employment outcomes they track internally, even if they can't report publicly, and investigate whether local employers actively recruit from this campus.