Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Labette Community College

Is a two-year IT degree worth borrowing for when earnings barely edge above $40,000? Based on comparable associate programs nationally, graduates with this credential typically start around $41,700—a figure that sits right at the national median but represents modest income for a field often associated with higher pay. The estimated $17,500 in debt suggests a more manageable burden than the national typical of $21,500, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 that should be payable within a few years of diligent budgeting.

The challenge is that Kansas's other IT administration programs show similar outcomes, with the one reported school also landing near $42,000. This suggests the associate degree in this field may represent more of an entry credential than a direct path to well-paying tech roles. Many IT positions that command significantly higher salaries require either bachelor's degrees or specific technical certifications that extend beyond general administration coursework. For families considering this path, the lower debt estimate makes it a less risky option than some alternatives, but the earnings ceiling appears relatively fixed across Kansas programs.

The practical question becomes whether this associate degree serves as your child's endpoint or stepping stone. If they plan to transfer credits toward a bachelor's or layer on specialized certifications while working, the lower debt load creates flexibility. If this is intended as their terminal credential, those first-year earnings may define their income trajectory for some time.