Analysis
A debt load around $13,000 for a programming certificate positions graduates for manageable repayment, particularly with first-year earnings that peer programs nationally suggest hover around $44,000. That translates to roughly three months of gross incomeβa reasonable burden for a credential designed to launch a technical career quickly. The relatively low Pell Grant participation at 9% suggests Davis Technical draws students with more financial resources, which could make the debt picture even less concerning for many families.
The challenge is that programming salaries vary enormously based on what you actually learn and where you land. National data shows the top quarter of certificate holders earning $60,000 or more, while others struggle closer to $30,000. Without actual outcomes from this specific program, you're betting on Davis Technical's curriculum staying current with industry needs and their employer connections translating into decent starting positions. Utah's tech sector has grown substantially, but competition from computer science degree holders and coding bootcamp graduates means certificate holders need strong practical skills to stand out.
If your child can complete this program quickly and leverage it into a job that values hands-on coding ability over credentials, the estimated debt-to-earnings ratio suggests it could work. But push for specifics: what programming languages, what local employers hire graduates, and whether students typically stop here or transfer credits toward a degree.
Where Davis Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer programming certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Computer Programming certificate's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| β | $43,727* | β | $13,274* | β | |
| $9,552 | $60,496* | β | $14,431* | 0.24 | |
| β | $60,496* | β | $14,431* | 0.24 | |
| $2,370 | $43,727* | $48,595 | $19,107* | 0.44 | |
| $2,136 | $37,250* | β | $11,884* | 0.32 | |
| β | $15,968* | β | β* | β | |
| National Median | β | $43,727* | β | $14,340* | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer programming graduates
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Computer Network Support Specialists
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 Davis Technical College, approximately 9% 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 national median of 5 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.