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

The debt burden here deserves serious scrutiny. While comparable Virginia programs suggest first-year earnings around $57,000—squarely in line with what tech administration graduates typically earn—the estimated $46,000 in student debt is considerably higher than both the state median ($32,000) and national median ($27,000) for this credential. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81 means nearly a full year's salary going toward student loans, which could strain finances even in a field with reasonable earning potential.

This gap becomes clearer when you look at what's typical across Virginia's IT administration programs. Old Dominion graduates report starting around $66,000 with presumably more manageable debt loads given it's a public university, while ECPI's lower tuition structure suggests a different cost-benefit equation altogether. The challenge with Strayer's estimated figures isn't the earning potential—tech administration roles do pay—but rather whether the debt incurred justifies those returns when other Virginia options exist.

For parents whose students received admission to multiple programs, the key question is whether Strayer offers something—flexibility, location, specific industry connections—that makes the higher debt load worthwhile. With 55% of students receiving Pell grants, this school clearly serves working adults and non-traditional students who may value different factors than campus experience. Just understand you're potentially taking on 70% more debt than the typical bachelor's graduate in this field nationally.