Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Stetson University

A $55,000 starting salary for a tech-focused bachelor's degree sounds reasonable until you realize that peer programs in Florida suggest this may underperform the field's potential. Similar IT administration programs in the state typically produce first-year earnings around $54,400, which aligns with Stetson's estimated outcome but falls notably short of the $58,000 national median. More concerning: comparable Florida programs like Florida State College at Jacksonville and several others are placing graduates at $59,000 or higher—$5,000 more annually. At a private institution charging roughly $27,000 in estimated debt (slightly better than the $32,000 state median), the value equation depends heavily on whether Stetson's smaller class sizes and personalized attention translate into career advantages that aren't captured in these peer-based estimates.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 falls within manageable territory, suggesting graduates could reasonably pay off loans within a few years of entering the workforce. However, with 86% of applicants admitted and 35% of students receiving Pell grants, parents should recognize they're paying private-school prices for outcomes that mirror mid-tier public programs. The wildcard here is networking and career services—factors that don't show up in salary data but can matter significantly in landing that first IT role.

For families weighing this investment, the critical question is whether Stetson's specific advantages justify potential opportunity costs when other Florida programs appear to place graduates at higher starting salaries. Get concrete placement data from the department and compare it against these peer estimates before committing.