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

Southern Careers Institute's IT certificate tells two contrasting stories depending on your frame of reference. Nationally, these graduates earn roughly half what peers make elsewhere—landing in just the 5th percentile. Yet within Texas, this program sits at the median, with earnings identical to other Southern Careers Institute campuses across the state. The $22,206 first-year salary reflects a certificate designed for entry-level roles, not the higher-paying positions commanded by graduates from University of Phoenix-Texas or CCI Training Center-Arlington.

The program's advantage lies in its cost structure. At $7,125 in debt—well below the national median of $12,000—graduates face manageable payments relative to their modest starting salaries. The 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio and 24% earnings growth to $27,615 by year four suggest graduates can dig out from under debt, even if they're not reaching typical IT salary levels. Two-thirds of students receive Pell grants, indicating this serves a population for whom avoiding excessive debt matters enormously.

The real question is whether this certificate provides enough value when other training paths might lead to better outcomes. If your child needs credentials quickly and affordably to enter the workforce, this delivers on that narrow goal. But if the goal is a genuine IT career with growth potential, the earnings gap compared to top Texas programs—where graduates earn double or triple this amount—should factor heavily into your decision.