Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Messiah University
Bachelor's Degree
messiah.eduBased on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
Computer technology programs in Pennsylvania vary wildly—from nearly $80,000 at Drexel to under $50,000 at Pitt—so understanding where Messiah sits in this landscape matters. Based on comparable programs in the state, graduates here appear to land near the middle at around $58,400, which tracks closely with both state and national medians for IT administration degrees. With estimated debt around $27,000, you're looking at a debt burden roughly half of first-year earnings, a ratio that's manageable if those salary projections hold.
The challenge is that both figures are estimates derived from peer programs rather than Messiah's actual outcomes, so there's inherent uncertainty about how this specific program performs. What we can say is that the estimated numbers suggest a workable financial proposition—monthly loan payments would consume perhaps 10-12% of take-home pay rather than the 20%+ that creates real hardship. The school's 78% admission rate and modest Pell enrollment suggest a traditional private college experience, which may justify the moderate debt load for families who value that environment.
The key question is whether Messiah's particular approach to IT education delivers outcomes closer to the top performers in Pennsylvania or the bottom. Without school-specific data, you're placing a bet on an unknown. If your child thrives in smaller, faith-oriented settings and the estimated salary range works for your family's budget, the numbers don't scream red flags—but push the admissions office hard for actual graduate outcomes before committing.
Where Messiah University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer/information technology administration and management bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,640 | $58,421* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $60,663 | $78,089* | — | $31,000* | 0.40 | |
| $11,036 | $65,143* | — | $27,000* | 0.41 | |
| $17,940 | $51,698* | — | $29,425* | 0.57 | |
| $21,524 | $49,865* | — | $24,936* | 0.50 | |
| National Median | — | $58,056* | — | $27,000* | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer/information technology administration and management graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Administrators
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Project Management Specialists
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Web Developers
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Messiah University, approximately 20% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.