Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Pierce College District

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 suggests manageable repayment for an associate's degree in IT administration, though it's worth noting that both the $41,752 earnings figure and $17,500 debt load come from peer programs rather than Pierce's own graduates. Similar programs across Washington typically produce first-year earnings around $40,000, with Pierce's estimate landing right at that state median. The debt estimate, also drawn from Washington peers, sits below the national median of $21,480 for this credential.

The practical picture here matters more than the precision of the estimates. An IT associate's degree that carries roughly $17,500 in debt should be serviceable on $40,000+ in annual earnings—you're looking at monthly payments that won't dominate a graduate's budget. What's less clear is whether Pierce's specific program connects students to employers as effectively as nearby options like Clover Park Technical College, where reported outcomes align closely with these estimates.

For parents weighing this investment, the fundamentals look sound for a two-year technical credential. The estimated debt load won't trap your child, and the field typically offers entry points without requiring a bachelor's degree. But before committing, dig into Pierce's job placement support and employer partnerships—those program-specific factors will matter more than these ballpark figures in determining whether your student actually lands one of those $40,000+ positions.