Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Mott Community College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 is solid for any credential, let alone a certificate program. Based on comparable IT certificate programs nationally, students here appear to face roughly $12,000 in debt for credentials that lead to first-year earnings around $42,000—meaning you'd owe about 28 cents for every dollar earned in that first year. That's manageable territory, especially for a relatively quick credential that can get someone into the workforce faster than a two- or four-year degree.

The uncertainty here matters, though. These figures come from peer programs across the country because Mott's specific outcomes aren't publicly reported due to small graduate cohorts. Michigan's IT certificate programs show considerable variation—the one reportable program in the state suggests first-year earnings closer to $36,000, several thousand below the national benchmark. Whether Mott performs closer to that state figure or the national median of $42,000 makes a real difference in how quickly graduates can pay down that debt.

For families weighing this investment, the key question is whether a certificate provides enough foundation for stable IT work in the Flint area or if employers expect more extensive credentials. Given the moderate debt load and potentially decent starting salary, this could work well for students seeking quick workforce entry—but contact Mott directly about actual job placement rates and typical employer requirements before committing.