Computer and Information Sciences at Dakota State University

A tech certificate program with an estimated debt load of $12,448 and first-year earnings around $38,900 puts Dakota State on relatively solid footing—the 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates could theoretically pay off loans in about four months of gross income. That's manageable compared to many certificate programs. However, these figures come from national medians of similar programs, not Dakota State's actual outcomes, so there's real uncertainty here. The school's 98% admission rate and modest SAT scores suggest it's not highly selective, which could mean variable student preparation and completion rates.

The bigger question is opportunity cost. First-year earnings of $38,900 in tech aren't terrible for a certificate, but they're well below what bachelor's degree holders in computer science typically earn. Similar certificate programs nationally range up to $45,400 at the 75th percentile, suggesting some schools do considerably better—though we can't know where Dakota State falls in that distribution without actual data. For a student already committed to the certificate path rather than a four-year degree, this appears workable. But if your child is deciding between this certificate and a longer program, consider that the earnings ceiling may be lower and advancement opportunities more limited.

The practical takeaway: This looks like a relatively low-risk entry point into tech work, assuming the estimates hold and your child completes the credential. But without actual outcomes data, you're betting on peer program performance rather than Dakota State's specific track record.