Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Valley College-Martinsburg

Valley College-Martinsburg's IT administration program graduates earn just $32,522 in their first year—about $8,500 below what graduates from other West Virginia IT programs make and nearly $10,000 below the national median. This puts the program in the bottom quarter of similar programs statewide and in the 14th percentile nationally. When a two-year degree leads to earnings barely above minimum wage levels, that's a red flag, especially in a field known for strong entry-level pay.

The $20,000 debt load is actually below the state median, which helps somewhat. But even with relatively modest borrowing, graduates would still need to dedicate roughly 61% of their first year's salary to pay off their loans under a standard repayment plan—a heavy burden for someone earning just over $30,000. The high Pell grant rate (72%) suggests many students here are already financially vulnerable, making weak earning outcomes particularly concerning.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly with more data, but the gap between this program and others in West Virginia is too large to ignore. If your child is committed to staying in Martinsburg, this might still beat no degree at all. But if they have any geographic flexibility, other options in the state—including West Virginia Junior College's program with its $40,000+ median earnings—would likely deliver much better returns on the same two years of study.