Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Williston State College

A two-year tech degree that lands you at roughly $42,000 in your first year—aligned with what peer programs produce nationally—creates a reasonable starting point, but the lack of school-specific data means you're operating on broader assumptions about outcomes. Similar associate's programs in North Dakota show graduates earning right around this figure, suggesting Williston State likely fits within the state's standard range. The estimated debt of $17,500 sits comfortably below the national median for this credential, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 that should be manageable on a tech salary.

The challenge with IT administration programs at the associate level is that they compete directly with cheaper certifications and self-taught paths into help desk and support roles. While the degree provides structure and potentially broader foundational knowledge, many employers in this field prioritize hands-on skills and specific technical certifications over credentials. Given Williston's relatively low enrollment of Pell grant recipients, you'll want to understand whether the school provides robust job placement support and maintains relationships with regional employers—these connections matter more when outcomes data isn't specific to the institution.

If your child can complete this program near the estimated debt level and has clear entry points into North Dakota's job market, the numbers work. But without reported outcomes specific to Williston State, treat this as a qualified bet: the economics look sound based on peer programs, though you're placing some faith in the school delivering comparable results.