Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
nwtc.eduBased on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs β see details below.
Analysis
For a technical certificate in IT management, similar programs in Wisconsin suggest first-year earnings around $42,271 against estimated debt of $10,903βa ratio that works out to roughly three months of gross salary. That's manageable if this credential actually opens doors in Wisconsin's tech sector, but the wide range among comparable programs (from $36,389 to $42,271 across state technical colleges) shows outcomes aren't guaranteed by the certificate alone.
The real question is what this undergraduate certificate delivers that self-taught skills or a shorter certification program wouldn't. IT administration roles increasingly favor candidates with hands-on experience or vendor certifications over academic credentials, and starting near $42,000 puts graduates in the bottom tier of tech earnings. The modest debt load helps, but peer programs in Wisconsin show similar mixed results, suggesting the credential itself may not be the primary driver of outcomesβlocal employer relationships and individual technical aptitude matter more.
If your child already has some IT experience and needs a structured credential to advance, this could work as a targeted boost. But as a first entry into tech for someone without connections or demonstrated skills, the estimated figures suggest this certificate carries meaningful risk of underwhelming returns. The relatively low Pell grant percentage (17%) may indicate this serves primarily as professional development rather than career-switching, which would explain why outcomes vary so much.
Where Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer/information technology administration and management certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management certificate's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,904 | $42,271* | β | $10,903* | β | |
| $3,861 | $42,271* | $40,957 | β* | β | |
| $4,853 | $36,389* | β | $12,971* | 0.36 | |
| National Median | β | $42,271* | β | $12,000* | 0.28 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer/information technology administration and management graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Administrators
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Project Management Specialists
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Web Developers
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, approximately 17% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 33 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.