Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Laredo College

Drawing on peer programs nationally, this associate's degree suggests first-year earnings around $41,752—which sounds reasonable until you consider that other IT administration programs in Texas typically produce substantially stronger outcomes. The state median sits at $49,160, roughly $7,400 higher, while some Texas schools report graduates earning in the $60,000 range. An estimated $17,500 in debt yields a manageable 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio, less burdensome than the typical $22,837 for similar Texas programs, but that advantage matters less if earning potential lags behind.

The gap between these estimates and what comparable Texas programs deliver raises practical questions about return on investment. IT administration skills are marketable, but Laredo's border location and local job market may influence outcomes differently than data from national peers can capture. Programs in larger Texas tech hubs often connect graduates to higher-paying employers, which could explain the state's stronger median. Whether Laredo's lower cost of living and more manageable debt load offset potentially lower earnings depends on where your child plans to work after graduation.

Given the significant uncertainty in these estimates and the state benchmark gap, visit the campus and ask directly about graduate employment outcomes, typical starting salaries for local hires, and whether students often relocate for better-paying positions. The answer to that last question will tell you whether you're looking at a solid local career start or a program that may require geographic flexibility to compete with statewide earning potential.