Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at National American University-Rapid City

National American University-Rapid City's IT administration program starts graduates at $33,190—nearly $9,000 below the national median and about $4,600 below South Dakota's typical graduate. That's 17th percentile nationally and ranks third out of four programs in the state. The $28,212 in student debt is higher than both national and state averages, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.85 that means nearly a full year's salary going toward loans. For context, Southeast Technical College—also in South Dakota—graduates students earning $42,439 immediately, roughly $9,000 more with similar debt levels.

The 28% earnings growth to $42,434 by year four offers some relief, but graduates still spend their early career years catching up to where many peers started. Given that 57% of students here receive Pell grants, these families are already stretching financially, making that debt burden particularly heavy. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty—these numbers could shift considerably with more data.

For a two-year IT program, you'd expect better employment prospects out of the gate. If your child is committed to this field and this location, Southeast Technical College appears to deliver significantly stronger immediate returns. This program might work if your child has guaranteed employment lined up, but otherwise the combination of below-average starting salary and above-average debt creates financial headwinds that take years to overcome.