Computer and Information Sciences at Black Hawk College

In Illinois, computer science associate's programs typically produce mixed results, and Black Hawk College's estimated $35,761 first-year salary suggests this program may perform above the state median of $30,889. The estimated $12,500 in debt is notably lower than both the state median ($17,312) and national median ($14,932) for similar programs, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 that would put graduates in a manageable position if these estimates hold true.

However, these figures come with significant uncertainty—both earnings and debt are derived from national benchmarks because Black Hawk's graduate cohort was too small for the Department of Education to report actual outcomes. Similar programs across Illinois vary considerably in their results, and without knowing this specific program's actual placement rates or employer partnerships, parents are making a bet that Black Hawk will match or exceed typical national performance. The lower-than-average estimated debt is encouraging and suggests the program keeps costs contained, but there's no way to verify whether graduates actually secure the tech jobs that would justify even this modest investment.

If your student is committed to staying in the Quad Cities area where Black Hawk has established employer relationships, the lower cost structure makes this program worth exploring further. Request placement data directly from the school—specifically where recent graduates are working and at what salaries—before committing. For families with other options, comparing against Illinois programs with reported outcomes would provide more certainty about what this credential actually delivers in the job market.