Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Madison Area Technical College

A debt load of $9,806 for an IT certificate is relatively modest, sitting below both the state median ($10,903) and the national median ($12,000) for similar programs. However, the estimated first-year earnings of $42,271—derived from 33 comparable certificate programs nationwide—tells only part of the story. In Wisconsin specifically, similar IT administration certificates tend to produce lower outcomes, with the state median at $39,330. Madison Area Technical College sits in a competitive market with at least 16 other Wisconsin schools offering this credential, and outcomes vary considerably even among peer institutions.

The 0.23 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable loan payments, but the critical question is whether a certificate alone provides enough credential weight in a field where many employers prefer associate or bachelor's degrees. Technical colleges like Madison Area often excel at connecting students to local employers, which could matter more than the statewide averages suggest. The relatively low Pell grant percentage (19%) might indicate this program attracts students already in the workforce seeking targeted skills rather than career changers taking on significant financial risk.

For parents, the key consideration is whether this certificate serves as a stepping stone (perhaps while working) or a standalone credential. The modest debt makes it a lower-risk option than many alternatives, but verify whether local Madison-area employers value this specific certificate for the roles your child is targeting.