Computer and Information Sciences at Angelina College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 suggests manageable borrowing for an undergraduate certificate, though the earnings picture here requires context. Similar computer science certificate programs nationally produce first-year earnings around $38,858, but Texas programs typically perform better—the state median sits at nearly $45,000. This $6,000 gap matters when you're evaluating whether a shorter credential will launch your child into tech work at a competitive wage.

The estimated $12,448 in debt aligns closely with both state and national norms for certificate programs, so the borrowing level itself isn't unusual. What's harder to assess is whether Angelina College's specific program will match or lag behind the state's stronger performance trend. Texas has a robust tech sector, particularly in major metros, but Lufkin's smaller job market may influence local outcomes. Programs at schools like Southern Careers Institute demonstrate that Texas certificate-holders can break into the low-$50,000s, though results vary considerably.

For a family weighing this investment, the core uncertainty is whether this program will track closer to Texas's $45,000 median or the lower national figure. Given the limited data, consider reaching out to the school for actual graduate outcomes—employment rates, employer partnerships, and where recent completers landed jobs. A certificate can be a cost-effective entry point into tech, but you need confidence that this specific program connects students to opportunities that justify even modest debt.