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

Strayer's online IT management program delivers something rare: genuinely premium outcomes that justify higher-than-average debt. Graduates start at $61,810—outpacing 95% of similar programs nationally and 80% within Texas, where the typical IT associate's degree holder earns just $49,160. Even the state's supposedly specialized technical colleges can't match these numbers. The $28,174 debt load runs about $5,000-6,000 above typical benchmarks, but with a 0.46 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates enter manageable territory from day one.

The complication is a 7% earnings decline by year four, dropping to $57,214. This could reflect the program's heavily Pell-eligible population (74%) facing workplace instability, or it might signal that an associate's degree hits a ceiling in tech management roles. Either way, the year-one premium is substantial enough that graduates still earn more at year four than most peers earn initially.

For families weighing this investment: you're paying extra for access to stronger employment networks or credentialing that clearly resonates with Texas employers. If your student needs the flexibility of online learning and can commit to either advancing their education or pivoting strategically within a few years, the initial earnings advantage creates real financial breathing room. The premium price makes sense here—these aren't typical associate's degree outcomes.