Computer and Information Sciences at Daytona State College

A certificate in computer science from a community college sounds like it should be a straightforward path to decent tech work, but the estimated figures here—drawn from similar programs nationally—reveal a shakier foundation than many parents expect. First-year earnings around $38,800 and debt near $12,400 translate to a debt burden of just under a third of that initial salary, which is manageable on paper. The challenge is that an undergraduate certificate often competes poorly against associate or bachelor's degrees in a field where credentials matter significantly, and these estimated earnings reflect that reality: they're solid for entry-level work but plateau quickly without additional education.

What complicates the picture further is that Florida has 35 schools offering computer science certificates, yet none report actual graduate outcomes publicly—meaning the small cohort sizes that trigger data suppression here are common statewide. That pattern suggests many of these programs graduate only a handful of students each year, which can indicate either highly specialized training or limited employer demand for certificate-holders specifically. The estimated debt load is relatively modest, but parents should recognize they're looking at a credential that may function more as a stepping stone than a destination, likely requiring further coursework to access better-paying positions in software development or IT administration.

If your child needs immediate workforce entry and plans to continue their education while working, this could serve as an affordable start. But treating it as a complete credential risks underemployment in a competitive tech market where associate and bachelor's degrees dominate hiring.