Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at North Central State College

Similar IT management programs in Ohio suggest first-year earnings around $41,800, which aligns almost perfectly with the national benchmark for associate's degrees in this field. That's a solid starting point—enough to make real progress on debt—but the real question is whether this opens doors to the same career paths that bachelor's degree holders pursue or whether it leads to lower-ceiling support roles.

The estimated debt of $17,500 is notably lower than both the state median ($23,137) and national median ($21,480) for comparable programs, putting the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.42. That's manageable, particularly for a technical credential that can lead to immediate employment. However, this estimate comes from national peer programs rather than North Central State's actual graduates, so your child's experience could vary based on financial aid packages and how long degree completion takes.

The three Ohio programs with reported outcomes show a tight earnings range at the top end—around $41,800-$42,500—but also demonstrate that some IT associate's degrees produce significantly lower results. Before committing, ask North Central State's career services for concrete employment outcomes: what percentage of graduates land IT jobs versus unrelated work, and what specific roles do they fill? An associate's degree can be a cost-effective entry into tech, but only if it consistently connects graduates to employers who value the credential.