Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Rasmussen University-North Dakota

Rasmussen University's IT management program generates solid tech-sector earnings—graduates earn nearly $60,000 right away and reach almost $70,000 by year four. That 17% earnings growth and the above-national-median trajectory are genuine positives. However, the $47,579 in median debt creates a real financial burden that distinguishes this program from most competitors: it ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally for debt, meaning 95% of similar programs leave students with less to repay.

Within North Dakota's limited landscape of four IT management programs, this one performs at the 60th percentile for earnings, so it's above the state median. Still, that debt load translates to a concerning practical reality—graduates owe roughly 80% of their first year's salary, compared to a national median debt of just $27,000 for this field. That's nearly $20,000 more to finance, which means substantially higher monthly payments during the critical early career years when IT professionals are typically building savings and gaining certifications.

The calculus here depends heavily on alternative options. If your child has access to a public university offering similar training with lower debt, that's the better investment. But for students needing the flexibility of Rasmussen's format and lacking cheaper alternatives, the program does lead to legitimate tech employment—just expect those first several years of paychecks to be significantly reduced by loan payments.