Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Los Angeles Mission College

Similar IT administration programs across California suggest first-year earnings around $40,000—slightly below the national median but on par with what other associate's programs in the state typically produce. The estimated $17,500 in debt would translate to a manageable 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio, assuming these peer-based projections hold. For context, community college IT programs nationwide carry median debt closer to $21,500, so this estimate sits comfortably below that threshold.

The challenge here is uncertainty. When a college doesn't have enough graduates to report actual outcomes, parents are flying blind on whether this specific program connects students to jobs effectively. The comparable programs used for these estimates—MTI College, Laurus College, and others—may have different employer networks, curriculum focus, or job placement support than Los Angeles Mission College offers. A $40,000 entry salary works if you're moving into help desk roles or junior admin positions, but IT is a field where program quality and connections matter significantly.

Before committing, verify what distinguishes this program from the dozens of similar ones in Southern California. Does it offer internship pipelines? Industry certifications like CompTIA or Cisco? Job placement rates? Without graduate outcome data, you need tangible proof this program delivers—not just estimates borrowed from peer institutions.