Information Science/Studies at Clayton State University

Clayton State's Information Science associate's degree produces concerning debt levels that overshadow otherwise decent earnings. With first-year graduates earning $43,702—outpacing the national median by nearly $5,000 and landing in the 72nd percentile nationally—the program demonstrates solid earning potential. However, the median debt of $35,925 is nearly triple the national norm for this degree, placing it in the 5th percentile for debt burden (meaning 95% of similar programs saddle students with less debt).

That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.82 means graduates carry debt equal to roughly 10 months of their annual salary. While not catastrophic, this is far steeper than necessary when most associate's programs in this field require under $15,000 in borrowing. The state comparison offers limited help here—only two Georgia schools offer this program, so the "60th percentile" ranking simply means this is the higher-debt option of two choices.

The real concern: these numbers come from fewer than 30 graduates, so they may not represent what your child would experience. If they're committed to this field and Clayton State specifically, the earnings trajectory is encouraging. But given the debt load, it's worth investigating whether they could complete this degree with less borrowing through faster completion, more aid, or starting at a different institution. A nearly $36,000 debt burden for a two-year degree requires careful financial planning.