Location: La Crosse, WI•In-State Tuition: $4,716•Out-of-State Tuition: $6,909
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$42,271
Est. from national median (33 programs)
Median Debt
$8,705
27% below national median

Analysis

The $8,705 debt load here stands out—it's $3,300 below what similar programs in Wisconsin typically cost, and well under the $12,000 national median for this certificate. That matters because keeping debt low is half the battle with shorter credentials, where you're making a quick pivot into the workforce rather than a long-term educational investment.

Based on comparable IT certificate programs nationally, first-year earnings around $42,000 are typical, which would put this program's debt at just 21% of that first year's income. That's manageable territory. Similar programs in Wisconsin show a range from the high $30,000s to low $40,000s for starting pay, so the national estimate aligns reasonably well with what Wisconsin graduates actually see. The limitation here is that we're working from peer data rather than Western Tech's specific outcomes—the actual graduate sample was too small for the Department of Education to publish.

The practical takeaway: this certificate offers a relatively low-cost entry point into IT work, with debt that shouldn't be crushing even at the lower end of expected earnings. For a student who needs credentials quickly or wants to test the IT field before committing to a longer program, the modest debt makes this a lower-risk option than many alternatives. Just recognize you're betting on estimates rather than a proven track record from this specific program.

Where Western Technical College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer/information technology administration and management certificate's programs nationally

Western Technical College (estimated ±10%)Other computer/information technology administration and management programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management certificate's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (17 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Western Technical CollegeLa Crosse$4,716$42,271*—$8,705—
Northcentral Technical CollegeWausau$3,861$42,271*$40,957——
Gateway Technical CollegeKenosha$4,853$36,389*—$12,9710.36
National Median—$42,271*—$12,0000.28
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer/information technology administration and management graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Network Architects

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Administrators

Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Project Management Specialists

Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. May serve as a point of contact for the client or customer.

$100,750/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Install, configure, and maintain an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software.

$96,800/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web Developers

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Western Technical College, approximately 32% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 33 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.