Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Spokane Falls Community College

At just under $40,000 in first-year earnings, Spokane Falls Community College's IT administration program lands consistently at the 40th percentile—both nationally and within Washington state. That's not terrible for an associate degree, but it trails both the national median ($41,752) and Washington's median ($40,387) by a few thousand dollars. The $19,000 debt load is actually slightly better than the state median, giving graduates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49. However, these figures come from a small graduating class, so individual outcomes may vary significantly from these medians.

The real question is whether this program justifies the investment when other Washington options exist. Nearby Clover Park Technical College's graduates, for instance, start at $41,752—about $2,700 more annually. Over a few years, that difference compounds. For a parent weighing community college options in Washington, this program won't break the bank and offers a reasonable path into IT support roles, but it's not a standout performer in the state.

If your child is set on Spokane for location reasons, this is a viable choice with debt they can reasonably manage. But if they're willing to consider other Washington community colleges for a stronger IT program, spending time on that comparison could pay off quickly.