Computer and Information Sciences at Charter College

An estimated $18,400 in debt for an associate's degree in computer science might sound reasonable at first glance—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51 suggests graduates could manage their loans. But context matters here. Similar programs nationally typically produce lower debt loads (around $14,900), meaning students at Charter College appear to be borrowing roughly $3,500 more than their peers elsewhere for comparable credentials. With over half of students receiving Pell grants, these additional thousands matter significantly to families already managing tight budgets.

The estimated first-year earnings of roughly $35,800 align almost exactly with what similar associate's programs produce nationally, which is both good and concerning. It's good that graduates likely aren't earning substantially less than peers from other programs. It's concerning because you're potentially paying more to reach the same destination. In Alaska's relatively thin tech market, an associate's degree may face limitations—many IT positions prefer or require bachelor's degrees, potentially capping advancement opportunities regardless of where you earn your two-year credential.

Before committing, compare this program's actual cost against University of Alaska community colleges or even online options from lower-cost institutions. The debt estimates here suggest this particular path costs more than typical alternatives, and in a field where skills and certifications often matter as much as the degree itself, paying premium prices for a standard outcome deserves serious scrutiny.