Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Minnesota State Community and Technical College

Based on comparable IT programs in Minnesota, this associate's degree appears positioned right at the state median—estimated first-year earnings of $44,549 against roughly $17,870 in debt. That 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates could reasonably manage loan payments, dedicating less than half a year's salary to educational borrowing. The estimated debt figure also runs below both state and national medians for this credential, which typically carry $19,000 to $21,500.

However, context matters here. The top-performing IT programs at Dakota County Technical and Hennepin Technical Colleges report first-year earnings above $46,000—tangible outcomes rather than estimates—suggesting location and program design create meaningful earning differences even within Minnesota's technical college system. Minnesota State Community and Technical College sits in Fergus Falls, a smaller market that may limit immediate job opportunities compared to metro-area programs, potentially affecting that initial salary trajectory.

For families weighing this investment, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable economics if your student plans to stay in Minnesota's IT job market. But the uncertainty cuts both ways: without actual graduate outcomes from this specific program, you're betting on averages that may not reflect this school's employer connections or curriculum strength. If metro-area programs with proven track records are geographically feasible, compare them directly before committing.