Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Lackawanna College

Comparable IT administration programs in Pennsylvania suggest starting earnings around $35,000, which falls notably short of the $41,700 national median for this credential. That gap matters when you're looking at roughly $23,000 in debt—a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66, but only if those earnings estimates hold and grow steadily. With 58% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on immediate post-graduation income to justify the investment.

The real concern is the competitive landscape. Pennsylvania's top-performing programs in this field—schools like Pennsylvania College of Technology and Harrisburg Area Community College—report actual graduate earnings between $35,000 and $50,000. The wide variation suggests that program quality and regional employer connections matter significantly. Without reported outcomes specific to Lackawanna, you're essentially betting that their graduates land closer to the state median rather than at the lower end, and that $35,000 represents a launching point rather than a ceiling.

For families stretching financially, this uncertainty is critical. If your child can gain admission to one of Pennsylvania's programs with documented stronger outcomes, that's worth serious consideration. If Lackawanna is the accessible option, ensure they're building practical skills and industry connections that distinguish them in a crowded field where the credential alone doesn't guarantee competitive wages.