Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Strayer University-Alabama

A bachelor's in IT management typically leads to solid first-year earnings, and this program appears to track close to that norm—peer programs nationally suggest around $58,000 in starting salary. But the estimated debt load of $46,262 significantly exceeds what's typical for this field. Nationally, IT management bachelor's programs carry a median debt of $27,000, and even in Alabama, where debt tends to run higher, the state median sits at $37,946. With 83% of students receiving Pell grants, Strayer is clearly serving a population that needs education to pay off quickly.

The 0.80 debt-to-earnings ratio means students are likely borrowing roughly 80% of what they'd earn in their first year—manageable in absolute terms, but less favorable than what you'd see at comparable Alabama programs like Columbia Southern or Herzing Birmingham, where similar credentials cost substantially less. The technology sector does offer strong mid-career growth potential, which could make that extra debt less painful over time, but it creates a tighter margin in those crucial early years when loan payments hit hardest.

For families weighing this option, the key question is whether Strayer's specific advantages—scheduling flexibility, adult-learner focus, or location convenience—justify borrowing nearly $10,000 more than the state median. If those factors aren't decisive, exploring Alabama's other IT management programs could deliver similar career outcomes with a lighter debt burden.