Computer Programming at City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman College

Based on comparable programming associate's programs nationwide, Truman College students can expect to earn around $38,000 in their first year—a figure that reflects the national median for this credential. With estimated debt of $17,750, that translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary. While not ideal, this is manageable territory if those earnings grow steadily, which they typically do in tech fields where employers value practical coding skills over pedigree.

The challenge is that we're working entirely with estimates here—neither earnings nor debt figures are reported for Truman's actual graduates in this program, likely due to small cohort sizes. That makes it difficult to know whether this specific program delivers the typical outcomes seen at peer institutions. In Chicago's competitive tech market, bootcamps and four-year programs often dominate entry-level hiring, so an associate's degree holder needs to demonstrate real competency through projects and internships to stand out.

For families considering this path, the appeal is clear: lower cost and faster completion than a bachelor's degree. But verify that Truman's curriculum aligns with current industry needs and that students leave with portfolio-ready work. At these estimated debt levels, the program could represent decent value, but only if it actually delivers job-ready skills that translate into the projected earnings or better.