Computer Programming at Dallas College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Dallas College's Computer Programming certificate graduates start at $43,727—right at the national median but outperforming 60% of Texas programs. That's notable in a state where the typical graduate from this type of program earns closer to $40,500. The debt load of $19,107 sits at the 19th percentile nationally (meaning lower than 81% of programs), translating to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44. Four years out, earnings climb to $48,595, showing steady 11% growth rather than the plateaus that plague some certificate programs.
The warning label here is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates means these figures could shift considerably with more data. But the combination of below-average debt and above-state-average earnings suggests Dallas College is doing something right with employer connections or curriculum. For a family looking at affordable tech entry points in the Dallas area, this beats taking on university-level debt for a bachelor's degree if your child is certain about programming and wants to start earning quickly.
The practical calculation: your child could be debt-free within a year of graduation at these earning levels while building skills that show consistent wage growth. Just recognize you're looking at a snapshot, not a guarantee.
Where Dallas College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer programming certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Dallas College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Dallas College graduates earn $44k, placing them in the 50th percentile of all computer programming certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Computer Programming certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (26 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas College | $43,727 | $48,595 | $19,107 | 0.44 |
| Amarillo College | $37,250 | — | $11,884 | 0.32 |
| National Median | $43,727 | — | $14,340 | 0.33 |
Other Computer Programming Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amarillo College Amarillo | $2,136 | $37,250 | $11,884 |
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 Dallas College, approximately 23% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 28 graduates with reported earnings and 44 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.