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

When the Department of Education suppresses specific outcomes for small graduating cohorts, it creates uncertainty—but that doesn't mean this program is necessarily risky. Based on Wisconsin IT programs with similar associate's degrees, students typically start around $42,000 and climb to $48,000 by year four, while graduating with roughly $15,500 in debt. That 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio falls comfortably below the concerning 1.0 threshold, suggesting manageable repayment even if this specific cohort performs near the state median.

The trajectory from first to fourth year matters here. A $6,000 jump suggests steady career progression in a field where certifications and experience compound quickly. While peer programs at Madison Area Technical College show higher starting salaries ($54,784), Milwaukee's estimated outcomes still exceed the national median ($41,752) and match the Wisconsin average. For a program serving 41% Pell-eligible students in a major metro area, these figures indicate solid workforce preparation rather than exceptional returns.

The practical takeaway: if your student can graduate with debt close to these estimates, they're looking at monthly loan payments around $175 on a salary that should cover it. The risk isn't the program itself—it's whether actual outcomes align with these peer-based projections. Request placement data directly from Milwaukee Area Technical College and compare their specific employer connections to other Wisconsin technical colleges before committing.