Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at San Diego City College

Based on similar IT administration programs in California, San Diego City College's associate degree appears positioned right at the state median—$39,970 in estimated first-year earnings—but trails the national benchmark of roughly $42,000. The estimated $17,500 in debt is notably lower than the national median of $21,480, which helps offset the slightly softer earnings picture and produces a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44.

Here's the practical challenge: California's tech market can be feast or famine for associate-level IT roles, and these estimates—drawn from just three peer programs statewide—may not capture the full reality of what City College's specific graduates experience. The school serves a substantial population of Pell grant recipients (22%), and while the debt load seems reasonable on paper, first-year earnings under $40,000 in San Diego's expensive housing market mean students will need to budget carefully even with manageable loan payments.

For families considering this route, the key question isn't whether the numbers work mathematically—they do, barely—but whether an associate degree provides enough credentials to compete in San Diego's crowded tech sector. If this program includes hands-on training, industry certifications, or strong employer connections that lead directly to help desk or junior admin roles, it could be worth the investment. Without those pipelines, though, comparable programs suggest your graduate may struggle to hit even these modest earnings targets.