Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at MyComputerCareer at Raleigh

This short-term IT certification faces a practical challenge: at an estimated $10,432 in debt—based on similar programs at for-profit schools—students would need that first-year salary of roughly $42,000 to materialize quickly. The problem? That first-year figure comes from national peer programs, not tracked outcomes from this Raleigh location specifically. What we do know is that by year four, graduates earn $59,307, suggesting meaningful income growth for those who stay in the field. With 71% of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves students who need credentials to translate directly into paychecks.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25 looks manageable on paper—you'd owe about three months' salary. But that calculation relies entirely on estimated figures from comparable programs elsewhere. IT certificates can launch careers in network administration or technical support, fields where hands-on skills and certifications matter more than traditional degrees. The question is whether this particular program delivers those marketable skills at a price point that makes sense when community colleges in North Carolina offer similar training, often at lower cost.

For parents, the key issue isn't the field—IT skills remain in demand—but whether this specific pathway justifies the investment when actual graduate outcomes aren't available. Before committing, compare the total cost against local community college IT programs and ask the school directly about job placement rates and employer partnerships in the Raleigh market.