Analysis
Chippewa Valley Technical College's computer programming associate's degree demonstrates something rarely seen in two-year programs: significant earnings growth after graduation. Students start at $44,673—already ahead of three-quarters of similar programs nationally—but jump to $58,277 by year four, a 31% increase that suggests genuine skill development rather than just credential inflation.
The $18,000 debt load is higher than Wisconsin's median for this program ($13,812), though still reasonable given the starting salary. What matters more is the trajectory: within four years, graduates are earning more than most programming associate's degrees deliver even at their peak. Among Wisconsin's 17 programming programs, this ranks solidly in the 60th percentile—respectable, though Fox Valley Technical College's graduates earn $10,000 more starting out.
For families focused on return-on-investment, this program clears the bar. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 means students will owe less than half their first-year salary, and the strong earnings growth suggests the skills learned translate well into workplace advancement. It's not Wisconsin's top performer in this field, but the combination of above-average starting pay and proven income growth makes it a financially sound choice for students ready to enter Wisconsin's tech workforce.
Where Chippewa Valley Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer programming associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Chippewa Valley Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chippewa Valley Technical College | $44,673 | $58,277 | +30% |
| Gwinnett Technical College | $35,284 | $70,026 | +98% |
| Cincinnati State Technical and Community College | $55,996 | $67,313 | +20% |
| Minneapolis Community and Technical College | $55,069 | $65,758 | +19% |
| Fox Valley Technical College | $54,652 | $61,493 | +13% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Computer Programming associates's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Chippewa Valley Technical CollegeEau Claire | $4,724 | $44,673 | $58,277 | $18,000 | 0.40 |
 Fox Valley Technical CollegeAppleton | $4,916 | $54,652 | $61,493 | $13,812 | 0.25 |
 Gateway Technical CollegeKenosha | $4,853 | $41,728 | — | $9,833 | 0.24 |
| National Median | — | $38,086 | — | $17,108 | 0.45 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer programming graduates
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Computer Network Support Specialists
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 Chippewa Valley Technical College, approximately 17% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 45 graduates with reported earnings and 47 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.