Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Northern Virginia Community College

Northern Virginia Community College's IT certificate comes with manageable debt—just over $10,000—but the immediate earnings of $34,867 lag significantly behind the national median of $42,271 for similar programs. That $7,400 gap is substantial when you're trying to pay off loans and cover living expenses in the expensive D.C. metro area.

The state comparison offers a more nuanced view: this program sits at the 60th percentile among Virginia IT certificates, meaning it actually outperforms most in-state alternatives despite falling short nationally. However, with only 14 schools offering this certificate in Virginia and fewer than 30 graduates in this cohort, you're working with limited data points. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 is reasonable—graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under four months of gross earnings—but that assumes the $34,867 salary is sustainable and grows over time.

For a community college certificate, the value equation depends heavily on your child's specific situation. If they're looking for a quick credential to boost their resume or pivot careers while keeping debt minimal, this could work. But if they're entering the field fresh, they should understand they'll likely start below what many IT certificate holders earn nationally, even in a strong tech market like Northern Virginia.