Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Minnesota State College Southeast

Similar IT programs across Minnesota suggest first-year earnings around $44,500—right at the state median—with typical debt under $18,000. That's a manageable 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio that compares favorably to many technical credentials. Minnesota's IT associate degree programs cluster fairly tightly between $40,000 and $49,000 in starting pay, so this estimated outcome sits solidly in the middle of the pack rather than at either extreme.

What works in this program's favor is the debt load. At an estimated $17,870, it runs lower than both the state median ($18,990) and significantly below the national benchmark ($21,480) for comparable programs. That lower borrowing matters more than modest differences in starting salary—you're looking at roughly one semester's earnings to pay off the credential if peer program patterns hold here.

The reality: we're estimating based on five other Minnesota programs because this specific program's graduate pool is too small for the Department of Education to report. That means less certainty about outcomes, though Minnesota's IT market is fairly consistent across technical colleges. If your student is considering this program, verify current completion rates and try to speak with recent graduates directly, since the limited enrollment means institutional support and program stability matter even more than the numbers suggest.