Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at University of Akron Main Campus

A $12,000 investment for an undergraduate certificate in IT administration sits right at the national median for similar programs, but the estimated first-year earnings of $42,271 reveal why this credential type struggles in Ohio's tech market. Comparable programs across the state show a tight earnings range—from $38,000 to $46,000—suggesting this field has a fairly predictable floor but limited upside. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 looks manageable on paper, but that assumes your child lands steady employment immediately after completing what's essentially a sub-bachelor's credential in a field where employers increasingly prefer four-year degrees.

The real question is opportunity cost. University of Akron's broader institutional profile—with its 71% admission rate and substantial Pell grant population—suggests this certificate may serve students who need quick entry to the workforce rather than those building toward higher credentials. If your child is stopping their education at this certificate level, peer programs suggest they'll earn enough to manage the debt but not much more. If this is meant as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree, consider whether starting directly in a four-year program might offer better long-term returns without the intermediate credential debt.

Before committing, verify whether Akron provides a clear pathway to convert this certificate into bachelor's credit, and compare the total cost against starting directly in an associate or bachelor's program at a community college or state school.