Computer and Information Sciences at Colby Community College

A debt load around $12,400 for an undergraduate certificate in computer sciences lands in reasonable territory—similar programs nationally carry a median of $11,000, and the estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 means graduates could realistically pay this off within a year or two of focused repayment. Based on comparable programs across the country, first-year earnings around $38,800 suggest this certificate provides immediate access to entry-level tech positions, though it's worth noting this sits at the median rather than toward the higher end of what's possible in computing fields.

The challenge is that these figures come entirely from peer institutions, not Colby Community College's actual graduate outcomes. Without school-specific data, you're essentially betting that this rural Kansas program performs similarly to the national average for computing certificates. That could work in your favor if the program has strong employer connections in Kansas tech hubs or remote work placements, but it's also possible outcomes differ significantly in a smaller market. The 23% Pell grant rate suggests the college serves a relatively advantaged student body, which sometimes correlates with better support systems—though that's speculative.

For families considering this route, the financial framework looks workable if those earnings estimates hold true, but treat this as a leap of faith rather than a proven track record. Request placement data directly from the college before committing.