Computer Science at Butler Community College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 suggests this program could pencil out financially, though you're working with national estimates rather than Butler's actual graduate outcomes. At roughly $12,500 in debt against first-year earnings near $39,000, students would face a manageable monthly payment of around $140—just over 4% of gross monthly income. That's considerably better than many associate degree programs where debt can consume 10% or more of take-home pay.

The challenge here is Kansas context. With only three schools offering this associate degree in the state and none reporting graduate data, it's difficult to gauge how Butler's program specifically positions students in the local tech market. Computer science associate degrees serve different purposes depending on the program—some prepare students for help desk or junior IT roles, others function as transfer pathways to bachelor's programs. First-year earnings around $39,000 could represent either a solid entry point into tech work or a stepping stone before completing a four-year degree.

Given Butler serves a significant population of Pell-eligible students (31%), the relatively modest debt load is encouraging. For a family evaluating this program, the critical questions are whether your student plans to enter the workforce immediately or transfer, and whether Butler's specific curriculum and employer connections support that goal. The estimated numbers suggest reasonable economics, but you'll want direct conversations with Butler's CS faculty about job placement rates and whether graduates typically stay in Kansas or need to relocate for opportunities.