Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Pace University

Pace University's IT management program tells a story of dramatic earnings growth that compensates for a slow start. While first-year graduates earn $50,885—below the national median but actually above New York's state median—by year four that figure jumps 46% to $74,282. That trajectory matters more than the initial lag, especially since the $23,000 debt burden is quite manageable relative to those improving earnings.

The state context here is revealing. Among New York's 29 programs, Pace ranks in the 60th percentile, outperforming the state median despite trailing top performers like RIT by a significant margin. Nationally, the program sits lower at the 20th percentile, but that comparison includes many lower-cost-of-living states where tech salaries differ substantially. For New York-based students facing New York job markets and living costs, beating the state median is the more relevant benchmark—and Pace clears it while keeping debt 3% below the state average.

The 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio is solid for a first job, and it only improves as earnings accelerate. The moderate sample size suggests these outcomes are reasonably stable. If your child plans to work in the New York metro area after graduation, this program offers competitive positioning without crushing debt, particularly for students who might struggle to gain admission to more selective schools like RIT.