Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Southern Maine Community College

Southern Maine Community College's IT management associate's earns its "typical" label, but the numbers actually tell a more encouraging story for Maine families. This program ranks in the 60th percentile among Maine schools—notably outperforming the state median of $36,464 while matching state-level debt at $16,824. You're getting above-average Maine earnings with what's essentially the going rate for borrowing in-state.

The national picture is more middling: graduates earn roughly the median for this credential nationwide while carrying slightly less debt than typical. That 10% earnings bump from year one to year four ($41,813 to $45,801) suggests graduates gain traction rather than stagnate. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 means monthly loan payments should stay manageable on an entry-level IT salary.

Here's what matters most: if your child plans to stay in Maine, this program performs better than most in-state alternatives. If they're eyeing opportunities elsewhere, they'll be competing with graduates earning similar amounts but often carrying more debt. For families looking at community college as an affordable tech entry point, this delivers exactly what it promises—middle-of-the-pack outcomes without the crushing debt that can derail early careers.