Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
wsutech.eduAnalysis
A debt load around $12,000 for an IT certificate represents a manageable risk, particularly when peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings in the low $40,000s. That 0.28 debt-to-earnings ratio falls well within the range financial aid experts consider reasonable for shorter credentials, meaning graduates from comparable programs typically handle this obligation without major strain. However, thirteen Kansas schools offer this same certificate, and without reported outcomes specific to Wichita State's campus program, you're essentially betting on whether their training matches what similar programs elsewhere deliver.
The challenge with undergraduate IT certificates lies not in the credential itself but in its positioning. These programs work best as quick re-skilling tools for adults already in the workforce or as stackable credentials toward an associate or bachelor's degree. For a traditional student coming straight from high school, national data suggests the $42,000 earnings level might represent a ceiling rather than a launching pointβthere's limited evidence these certificates generate the same upward trajectory as degree programs in tech fields.
If your student needs rapid entry into the workforce or is already working and wants to formalize IT skills, the estimated financials look sound. But if they're starting their education journey, this certificate should probably be step one in a longer plan, not the destination. Without actual graduate outcomes from this specific campus, you're relying on national averages that may not reflect Wichita's local IT job market.
Where Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer/information technology administration and management certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management certificate's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,018 | $42,271* | β | $12,000* | β | |
| $22,082 | $81,170* | β | β* | β | |
| $45,550 | $73,588* | β | $27,500* | 0.37 | |
| $8,400 | $50,957* | $57,353 | $21,950* | 0.43 | |
| β | $50,255* | $53,968 | $12,812* | 0.25 | |
| β | $50,255* | $53,968 | $12,812* | 0.25 | |
| National Median | β | $42,271* | β | $12,000* | 0.28 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer/information technology administration and management graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Administrators
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Project Management Specialists
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Web Developers
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
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 Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology, approximately 21% 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.