Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Lindenwood University

Lindenwood University's IT management program produces graduates earning $67,000 right out of college—well above both the national median ($58,056) and solidly positioned among Missouri's ten programs in this field. While it ranks at the 60th percentile statewide, that's because Missouri IT programs generally perform well; this program still outearns the state median by $4,000. The debt load of $29,485 is reasonable but slightly elevated compared to Missouri peers (median $25,038), though still manageable at just 44 cents of debt per dollar of first-year earnings.

The value proposition here is straightforward: parents are paying slightly more than typical Missouri IT graduates but getting meaningfully higher earnings in return. At Southeast Missouri State—the state's top earner in this field—graduates make about $4,000 less annually than Lindenwood grads while carrying less debt. That $4,000 annual earnings advantage would recoup Lindenwood's extra borrowing costs within two years.

For anxious parents weighing options, this program delivers strong early-career outcomes without excessive debt burden. The 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates can comfortably manage repayment while building their careers in IT management roles that command above-average starting salaries.