Location: Columbus, OH•In-State Tuition: $5,338•Out-of-State Tuition: $10,917
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$36,388
Est. from OH median (9 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$20,729
Est. from OH median (8 programs)

Analysis

Computer programming associate's degrees in Ohio show significant variation in outcomes, with top performers like Cincinnati State's graduates earning $56,000 in their first year while others cluster around $36,000. Columbus State's program falls into this middle tier based on what similar programs in the state produce. With estimated debt of $21,000 against first-year earnings of roughly $36,000, graduates would be looking at carrying about seven months' salary in loans—manageable compared to many fields, but not exceptional for tech-adjacent work.

The debt figure here runs above the national median for programming associate's degrees ($17,000), while projected earnings sit slightly below the national benchmark of $38,000. This matters because programming is one of those fields where outcomes can vary dramatically based on the specific skills taught and local employer connections. The wide spread between Cincinnati State's results and the state median suggests program quality and curriculum design make a real difference in this credential's value.

For families weighing this option, the estimation here limits what we can confidently say about Columbus State's specific track record. If your student is set on staying in Columbus and has strong aptitude for coding, this could work as an affordable entry point into tech—but pushing for concrete placement data from the school itself would be wise given the gap between Ohio's best and average programming programs.

Where Columbus State Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer programming associates's programs nationally

Columbus State Community College (estimated ±10%)Other computer programming programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Computer Programming associates's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (29 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Columbus State Community CollegeColumbus$5,338$36,388*—$20,729*—
Cincinnati State Technical and Community CollegeCincinnati$5,400$55,996*$67,313$12,736*0.23
Kent State University at AshtabulaAshtabula$7,272$36,388*$36,797$20,729*0.57
Kent State University at East LiverpoolEast Liverpool$7,272$36,388*$36,797$20,729*0.57
Kent State University at TrumbullWarren$7,272$36,388*$36,797$20,729*0.57
Kent State University at TuscarawasNew Philadelphia$7,272$36,388*$36,797$20,729*0.57
National Median—$38,086*—$17,108*0.45
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer programming graduates

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web Developers

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Computer Network Support Specialists

Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.

$61,550/yrJobs growth:
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 Columbus State Community College, approximately 26% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 9 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.