Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Ridgewater College

Based on similar IT administration programs across Minnesota, graduates typically earn around $44,500 in their first year—a figure that lands right at the state median and above the national benchmark of $41,700. The estimated debt of $17,900 is notably lower than both state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 that suggests manageable repayment.

The challenge here is context. When peer programs in Minnesota range from $39,600 at Minneapolis Community and Technical College to $49,200 at Dakota County Technical College, the $5,000+ difference between top and middle performers becomes meaningful over a career. Without actual outcomes data from Ridgewater specifically, parents can't know where this program truly falls in that spread. The estimated figures position it as middle-of-the-pack, but that's based on a small sample of just five MN programs, not Ridgewater's own track record.

For a two-year degree in a field with decent entry-level demand, the numbers look workable—but you're essentially betting on Ridgewater matching its peer schools' performance. If you can connect with recent graduates or the program directly to understand actual job placement outcomes, that would help validate whether these estimates reflect reality for this specific campus.