Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Saint Johns River State College

A certificate program that costs around $12,500 and leads to first-year earnings near $42,000 establishes a manageable debt burden—about three months of gross income. Based on peer programs across Florida and the nation, this ratio puts Saint Johns River State College's IT administration certificate in reasonable territory, though the figures come from comparable programs rather than this school's own graduates.

The estimated earnings align closely with what similar Florida programs report—Miami Dade and St. Petersburg College graduates earn in the $39,000-$41,000 range—suggesting the statewide IT certificate market produces fairly consistent outcomes. Nationally, these credentials typically yield slightly higher earnings at the 75th percentile ($48,303), but Florida's lower cost of living in cities like Palatka may partially offset the wage gap. The low Pell grant participation (19%) is unusual for a community college certificate and might indicate this program attracts working adults seeking credentials rather than traditional students.

The economics work if this certificate genuinely opens doors to IT administration roles. Short-term credentials only pay off when they lead to immediate employment in the field, so you'll want to verify whether local employers recognize this certificate and whether the college provides meaningful job placement support. The debt load won't crush anyone, but you need confidence that $42,000 jobs are actually available to certificate holders in the Jacksonville metro area.