Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at MidAmerica Nazarene University

An associate's degree in IT administration typically leads to first-year earnings around $42,000 based on national data, which is where MidAmerica Nazarene's program appears to track. The estimated $23,137 in debt sits slightly above what similar programs nationally report ($21,480), though Kansas programs typically come in even lower at $20,852. For context, Rasmussen University-Kansas—the only comparable program in the state with published outcomes—reports earnings of $42,043 with debt around $20,850, suggesting this estimate may be reasonable but perhaps on the higher end for debt.

The 0.55 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would theoretically owe about half their first year's salary, which is manageable territory for an associate's degree. However, the small graduate sample that triggered data suppression here raises a practical concern: this may not be an established program with strong employer connections or a track record of consistent placement. When technical programs are this small, students sometimes miss out on the network effects and recruiting relationships that larger programs provide.

The modest admission selectivity and 28% Pell enrollment suggest MidAmerica Nazarene serves a middle-income student base, not one that can easily absorb uncertainty. Given that these are estimates from peer institutions rather than proven outcomes for this specific program, families should verify the program's age, employer partnerships, and recent graduate placement before committing—small programs can be hidden gems or works-in-progress, and the difference matters considerably at this price point.