Computer and Information Sciences at Associated Technical College-San Diego

The four-year earnings figure of $16,651 demands immediate attention—that's a precipitous drop from the estimated first-year $38,858, suggesting either significant employment disruption or a transition to part-time work among graduates tracked by the DOE. While the first-year estimate based on national peer programs seems reasonable (California programs typically hit $42,479), that dramatic earnings collapse by year four raises red flags about career sustainability. The debt load of $9,500 is modest and slightly below the state median, but it becomes problematic if earnings remain near $16,651 rather than recovering to tech-sector levels.

The 89% Pell Grant enrollment indicates this program serves predominantly low-income students seeking tech credentials, making the earnings trajectory especially concerning. If the four-year figure reflects typical outcomes rather than data anomalies, graduates aren't building toward financial stability—they're falling backward. Even if some graduates recover earnings later, the documented mid-career slump suggests this certificate may not provide the career momentum parents expect from computer training. Without clearer evidence that graduates maintain or improve upon their initial estimated earnings, the risk here is substantial for families counting on a tech credential to deliver lasting economic gains.