Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Southern Careers Institute-Austin

Southern Careers Institute-Austin's IT certificate graduates earn just $22,206 in their first year—roughly half the national median for similar programs. That 5th percentile national ranking is alarming, but here's the crucial context: this figure is actually at the median for Texas IT certificate programs, where the market appears dramatically weaker than the rest of the country. The modest $7,125 debt load helps soften the blow, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that's manageable even with these low starting salaries.

The program serves a predominantly lower-income population (65% receive Pell grants), and the 24% earnings growth to $27,615 by year four suggests some upward mobility. However, even after four years, graduates earn less than many entry-level positions in Austin's robust tech sector. The gap between this program and top Texas performers like University of Phoenix ($50,255) reveals a stark two-tier system in IT certificate education.

For families considering this program, the low debt is genuinely positive, but the earnings trajectory raises serious questions about return on investment. If your child has other options—whether community college transfer paths, direct employment with training, or higher-performing certificate programs—those deserve serious consideration. This works primarily as a low-risk credential for students with limited alternatives, not as a strategic entry point into tech careers.