Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Laurus College

At $33,000 in debt for an associate's degree that leads to $40,730 in first-year earnings, Laurus College's IT management program carries significantly more debt than typical for this field—about $15,000 more than the California median and $11,500 above the national average. While the program ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings among California IT programs (meaning graduates earn more than most peers in-state), the debt load puts it in the bottom 5th percentile nationally. That's a concerning combination for a two-year degree, particularly when graduates at nearby MTI College earn similar salaries with roughly half the debt.

The earnings do grow 10% over four years to $44,825, which helps improve the financial picture somewhat. And serving a 67% Pell-eligible population suggests the school is working with students who might have limited alternatives. However, the small sample size here—fewer than 30 graduates—means these numbers could swing considerably with even a few different outcomes.

For families considering this program, the central question is whether the $15,000 debt premium over other California IT programs delivers commensurate value in job placement, support services, or outcomes. Unless there's a compelling reason specific to Laurus—location, schedule flexibility, or documented job placement advantages—the debt burden makes this a questionable choice when similar California programs offer comparable earnings at substantially lower cost.