Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Ohlone College

A debt load of $17,500 for an associate's degree might sound manageable, but the earnings picture based on comparable California programs suggests this path demands careful consideration. Similar IT administration programs in the state typically produce first-year earnings around $40,000—putting graduates roughly $1,000 below the national median for this credential. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 means nearly half a year's salary goes toward education costs, and in California's expensive job market, that can strain finances considerably.

The broader landscape tells an important story: with 55 schools offering this program in California alone, competition for entry-level positions is fierce. Peer programs show a tight earnings cluster in the high $30,000s to low $40,000s range, suggesting limited differentiation in graduate outcomes across institutions. For a field that should command premium pay given tech's dominance in the Bay Area, these baseline numbers reflect the reality that associate's degrees in IT often lead to support roles rather than higher-paying technical positions.

Before committing, compare Ohlone's specific curriculum and industry partnerships against alternatives. The estimates here are based on just three peer programs statewide, so there's meaningful uncertainty. If your student can access bachelor's-level IT programs—either directly or through guaranteed transfer pathways—that route typically opens doors to positions with substantially better starting salaries that justify similar or even higher debt loads.