Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Stark State College

Based on comparable IT management programs in Ohio, this associate degree suggests starting earnings around $42,000—right at the state median but with estimated debt of $17,500 that sits notably below both Ohio's typical $23,000 and the national median of $21,500. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 means graduates would owe roughly five months of their first year's salary, a manageable burden that gives them breathing room early in their IT careers.

The challenge is that these figures come from just three similar programs statewide, making it difficult to know whether Stark State's specific outcomes match this pattern. What we do know is that IT management associate degrees in Ohio typically produce earnings in a fairly tight range—the top program at Cincinnati State Technical pulls $42,500 while Bryant & Stratton Parma sits at $31,600. The career ceiling matters here too: many IT management roles reward experience and certifications more than credentials alone, so that initial $42,000 may grow substantially for self-directed learners.

For parents weighing this investment, the lower estimated debt provides a crucial cushion. Even if actual earnings fall short of the $42,000 estimate, that $17,500 debt load won't become crushing. The real question is whether your student can leverage the degree into hands-on IT experience quickly—in this field, the first job matters more than the diploma alone.