Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Peninsula College

The estimated $17,500 debt load for Peninsula College's IT program sits below the national median for this credential, while projected first-year earnings of roughly $42,000 align with what similar associate's programs nationally produce. That 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment—you're looking at debt equal to about five months of gross income, which is reasonable for a two-year technical degree. The challenge here is location: Port Angeles is relatively isolated on the Olympic Peninsula, and whether these earnings materialize depends heavily on where graduates end up working.

Peer programs across Washington show similar outcomes, with reported figures at comparable schools clustering in the $39,000-$42,000 range. The question for your family is whether Peninsula's lower cost of attendance and community college accessibility justify the uncertainty of launching a tech career from a smaller market. Seattle-area IT jobs pay considerably more, but relocating adds costs that offset the debt advantage. If your student plans to stay local or work remotely, understand that Peninsula County's job market is limited—you're essentially betting on either remote work opportunities or eventual migration to a larger metro area.

The value proposition depends entirely on your student's mobility and career ambitions. For someone seeking affordable entry into IT work who's comfortable with remote positions or willing to relocate after graduation, these estimates suggest workable economics. For someone expecting robust local opportunities in Port Angeles itself, the limited tech ecosystem there makes this a riskier investment.