Computer and Information Sciences at Big Sandy Community and Technical College

Based on comparable programs across Kentucky, an associate's degree in Computer and Information Sciences typically produces first-year earnings around $38,000—slightly above the national median for this credential. The estimated $15,300 in debt translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40, meaning graduates would owe roughly 40% of their first year's salary. That's a workable starting point for an IT career, though it's worth noting that other Kentucky community colleges with reported data show a wide range, with Gateway graduates earning nearly $50,000 while Somerset graduates earn closer to $37,000.

The challenge here is uncertainty. These figures come from peer programs across the state because Big Sandy's graduate cohort is too small for the Department of Education to publish. With 44% of students receiving Pell grants, the college serves a population where affordability matters tremendously. Tech jobs in rural Eastern Kentucky may not match opportunities in Louisville or Lexington, which could explain why some similar regional programs show lower outcomes than their urban counterparts.

For families considering this program, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value if your child can secure employment in the tech sector after graduation. However, without school-specific data, you're making this decision with less visibility than you'd have at Gateway or Jefferson Community and Technical College, where actual graduate outcomes are available and consistently strong.