Computer and Information Sciences at Butte College

Computer science associate's degrees in California typically launch graduates into stronger earnings—the state median sits at $44,653, roughly 25% higher than the $35,761 suggested by national benchmarks for this program. While Butte College's specific outcomes aren't yet available, this gap deserves attention. If graduates from this program track closer to national patterns than California norms, they'd be starting at a meaningful disadvantage compared to peers at other state programs, potentially missing out on $9,000 annually right out of the gate.

The estimated debt load of $12,500 is actually encouraging—it's below both the national median for similar programs and well under California's typical $24,400. At a 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio, students would theoretically be carrying manageable debt that could be paid down within a year or two of focused effort, assuming those national earning estimates hold. That's a reasonable starting point for an associate's degree, particularly at a community college serving a significant population of Pell grant recipients.

The uncertainty here matters, though. With 93 programs across California and stark variation in outcomes, where Butte graduates actually land on that spectrum will determine whether this represents solid value or a compromise. Before committing, press the school for clearer outcomes data—completion rates, job placement specifics, and where their graduates actually work—to understand whether this program connects students to California's stronger tech market or leaves them competing at national wage levels.