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

Strayer's IT management program at its Jackson campus produces graduates earning $61,810 in their first year—nearly 50% above the national median for this degree. That's exceptional performance, placing it in the 95th percentile nationally. The catch? This is the only meaningful benchmark since Mississippi has just six schools offering this program, and Strayer's campus represents the state median.

The debt picture requires careful consideration. At $28,174, students borrow about $7,000 more than the national median, though the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 remains manageable given those strong initial salaries. The real concern is the earnings trajectory: graduates see their pay drop 7% by year four to $57,214. This decline is unusual for tech credentials and suggests graduates may struggle to advance or find employers willing to pay for associate-level IT skills over time. With 83% of students receiving Pell grants, this downward trend disproportionately affects students who can least afford career setbacks.

For families weighing this investment: the first-year earnings are genuinely impressive and should translate to rapid debt payoff if graduates stay disciplined. But the declining pay pattern raises questions about long-term career prospects that deserve direct questions during campus visits—specifically about employer partnerships, advancement opportunities, and whether most graduates eventually pursue bachelor's degrees to maintain earning power.