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

A quarter-of-earnings debt burden sounds manageable on paper, but both figures here come from national peer programs rather than National American University's actual outcomes. With 57% of students receiving Pell grants, the typical graduate is likely borrowing to attend, making it crucial to understand that the estimated $10,432 debt and $42,271 first-year earnings reflect what similar certificate programs produce nationwide—not what this specific Rapid City program delivers.

The national benchmark of $42,271 places IT certificate holders in a decent starting position, though peer programs vary considerably. The challenge is that South Dakota has only three schools offering this credential, and none report data publicly, leaving parents with little visibility into how these programs actually perform in the local market. Computer jobs certainly exist in Rapid City and the broader Black Hills region, but whether a certificate from this particular institution opens those doors is harder to verify without actual graduate outcomes.

For a parent considering this investment, the uncertainty cuts both ways. The debt load seems reasonable if earnings match the national pattern, but you're essentially betting that this program performs like the median rather than falling below it. Given the data gaps, talking to actual alumni and local employers who hire from National American University would provide more concrete insight than these estimated figures can offer.