Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Syracuse University

With $97,224 in first-year earnings against just $20,000 in debt, Syracuse's IT management certificate delivers immediate ROI that outpaces 95% of similar programs nationally. You're looking at a debt burden of less than three months' salary—exceptionally manageable for a credential that launches graduates into six-figure territory. The moderate debt load (95th percentile for lowest debt nationally) combined with top-tier earnings creates one of the strongest value propositions in post-baccalaureate IT credentials.

The New York context deserves attention: while Syracuse ranks at the 60th percentile statewide, that's partly because there are only two programs in the entire state offering this credential. The comparison pool is tiny, and the earnings figure itself remains strong. What matters more is that Syracuse graduates are entering a robust tech corridor spanning from New York City to Albany, where IT leadership roles command premium compensation.

For a parent considering this investment, the math is straightforward: your child could reasonably pay off the entire certificate within a year while maintaining a solid quality of life. This is a professional credential designed for career acceleration, not a four-year degree path, which explains the focused debt load and immediate earnings power. If your child already has a bachelor's degree and wants to pivot into or advance within tech management, this represents one of the more efficient pathways available.