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

Strayer's IT management program commands higher debt than most competitors, but the outcomes justify it—graduates earn $61,810 in their first year, crushing both the Georgia median ($36,047) and the national median ($41,752). This puts the program in the 95th percentile across both benchmarks, outperforming even Georgia's well-regarded technical colleges by substantial margins.

The $28,174 in debt sits above typical levels for this associate's degree, yet the 0.46 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable, particularly given that first-year salary. What's puzzling is the earnings dip to $57,214 by year four—a 7% decline that's unusual for an IT field typically known for upward trajectories. This could reflect career path changes, graduates moving into different sectors, or the moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) introducing statistical noise. The 78% Pell grant rate suggests Strayer serves primarily working adults and career-changers, who may prioritize immediate employment over long-term optimization.

For families focused on short-term ROI, this program delivers immediately strong earnings that make the debt manageable within the first year or two. The earnings decline warrants attention, but even at year four, graduates earn 59% more than the Georgia median. If your student needs a quick pathway into IT with solid early earnings and can stomach slightly higher borrowing, this works—just recognize you're paying a premium over technical colleges for that accelerated entry point.