Computer Science at Barton County Community College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 based on comparable associate's programs nationwide suggests a workable financial picture, with estimated debt of $12,458 against first-year earnings around $39,100. For community college students in rural Kansas, this represents a relatively affordable pathway into tech fields. The low Pell grant percentage (18%) hints that this program may serve a different population than typical community colleges, though it's unclear whether that reflects selectivity, local demographics, or simply low enrollment numbers that triggered the data suppression.

The challenge here is uncertainty. With only three schools offering computer science associate's degrees in Kansas and none reporting outcomes publicly, parents have little state-specific information to work with. The national figures suggest peer programs produce modest but steady entry-level earnings—not the Silicon Valley salaries often associated with tech, but reasonable returns for a two-year credential. Whether Barton County's specific program matches, exceeds, or falls short of these benchmarks remains unknown.

Given the small data footprint, contact the school directly about graduate outcomes, job placement rates, and whether their curriculum aligns with local employer needs in Kansas. For under $13,000 in estimated debt, the financial risk is manageable if your student completes the degree and finds relevant work, but verify that Great Bend's location won't limit their job prospects in what's typically an urban-centered field.