Analysis
In Nebraska, tech programs at community colleges show considerable variation, with first-year earnings ranging from $37,500 to nearly $56,000. Central Community College's outcomes fall somewhere in this middle territory—similar programs in the state suggest first-year earnings around $49,000, though by year four this program's actual reported figure drops to $40,000. That backward trajectory is unusual and worth understanding before enrolling.
The $10,000 debt load is lighter than most Nebraska tech programs and well below the national average of nearly $15,000. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21 based on that estimated first-year figure, graduates would theoretically finish with manageable obligations. However, the earnings decline between years one and four complicates this picture—it could signal graduates leaving tech roles, regional job constraints, or perhaps reflects when different cohorts entered the workforce. Without more visibility into why earnings drop rather than grow, it's harder to project whether this program delivers lasting career momentum.
Your child would likely graduate with less debt than peers at other Nebraska schools, but whether they'll match the earning power of Southeast Community College's $56,000 grads or Metropolitan's comparable outcomes remains uncertain. Before committing, contact the program directly to understand their job placement specifics and whether that four-year earnings dip reflects a temporary pattern or something more structural about graduate outcomes.
Where Central Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences associates's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Community College | — | $39,992 | — |
| Salt Lake Community College | $55,961 | $75,016 | +34% |
| Northern Virginia Community College | $39,679 | $65,485 | +65% |
| Southern New Hampshire University | $50,111 | $65,335 | +30% |
| Southeast Community College Area | $55,738 | $59,873 | +7% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska
Computer and Information Sciences associates's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,360 | $48,719* | $39,992 | $10,000 | — | |
| $3,540 | $55,738* | $59,873 | $19,140 | 0.34 | |
| $3,285 | $48,719* | — | $14,340 | 0.29 | |
| $3,840 | $37,509* | — | $12,000 | 0.32 | |
| National Median | — | $35,760* | — | $14,932 | 0.42 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer and information sciences graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Administrators
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Central Community College, approximately 19% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in NE. Actual outcomes may vary.