Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Shawnee State University

Based on comparable IT management programs in Ohio, this associate's degree appears positioned right at the state median with estimated first-year earnings around $42,000. The estimated debt load of $17,500 creates a manageable ratio of 0.42—meaning graduates would owe roughly five months of their first-year salary. That's notably lower than both the Ohio median debt ($23,137) and the national median ($21,480) for similar programs.

The challenge here is the limited graduate data, which prevents us from seeing how Shawnee State's specific outcomes compare to competitors. Cincinnati State and Central Ohio Technical College report similar earnings around $42,000, suggesting the state benchmark is reasonable, but we can't confirm where Shawnee graduates actually land. For a public university serving a significant population of Pell grant recipients (35%), the lower estimated debt burden could matter considerably, though actual outcomes might vary.

The practical question is whether an associate's degree in IT administration opens enough doors to justify even modest debt. Tech support and network administration roles exist at this salary level, but career advancement often requires either bachelor's completion or specific certifications. If your student can graduate with debt near the estimate and secure employment quickly, the numbers work. But push the school for clearer data on job placement and whether graduates typically continue to four-year programs—those factors matter more than state averages when the actual track record isn't visible.