Computer Software and Media Applications at Dallas College

Dallas College's software certificate punches well above its weight class nationally—graduates earn $41,477, putting this program in the 91st percentile compared to similar certificates across the country. That's $9,000 more than the national median and even beats the 75th percentile benchmark. Within Texas, it sits comfortably above the state median of $36,659, though it's not the absolute highest earner (landing at the 60th percentile among Texas programs). Still, this level of earnings from a certificate program is genuinely impressive.

The debt picture makes this particularly attractive: $11,211 is manageable for any starting salary, but with a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.27, graduates could realistically pay this off within a year of aggressive saving. Compare that to the typical bachelor's degree debt burden, and you're looking at a fast track to positive net worth.

The caveat here is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates means one exceptional cohort could skew these numbers. If your child is considering this route, verify current outcomes with the school directly and understand it's a shorter credential than a four-year degree, which may limit long-term advancement. But for someone who needs to start earning quickly or wants to test the tech field before committing to a longer program, this delivers strong value with minimal financial risk.