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

Strayer University-Virginia's IT management program commands premium pricing but appears to justify it with first-year earnings that outpace 95% of similar programs nationally and 80% in Virginia. Starting at $61,810—$12,000 above the state median and $20,000 above the national average—graduates enter a strong position. The $28,174 debt load runs about $5,000 above typical Virginia programs, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 remains manageable, suggesting most graduates could realistically pay this off within 5-7 years of focused repayment.

The concerning element is the earnings trajectory: graduates see incomes drop 7% by year four, falling to $57,214. This reversal is unusual for IT fields and may reflect graduates moving into different roles, part-time work, or the challenges of career advancement with an associate's degree in competitive Northern Virginia. However, even the four-year figure still outperforms most comparable programs statewide.

For families weighing this against alternatives, Strayer delivers stronger initial outcomes than Northern Virginia Community College ($54,742) at moderately higher cost. The premium makes sense if your child needs the flexibility of Strayer's adult-focused model—evening classes, online options—but if they can handle a traditional community college schedule, the $6,000 difference in starting salary may not justify the extra debt. The real question is whether those strong first-year placements translate into stable careers or just well-paid entry points that don't progress as expected.