Computer and Information Sciences at DeVry University-Georgia

The $29,500 debt load here is the most striking figure—it's nearly double what graduates of comparable computer science associate's programs in Georgia typically carry ($22,076) and essentially double the national median of $14,932. While peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $35,761, that creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.82, meaning your child would owe roughly 82 cents for every dollar they earn in their first year. Georgia Military College, offering the same credential in-state, reports graduates earning $42,285 with significantly lower debt burdens.

The challenge isn't the earnings potential—associate's degrees in computer science generally lead to decent entry-level positions. The problem is paying significantly more than peers for similar outcomes. With 61% of students receiving Pell grants, DeVry-Georgia serves many families for whom this debt level could be particularly burdensome. Similar programs at Georgia's community colleges or technical institutes typically cost far less while producing comparable or better employment results.

For parents, the question is whether this specific program justifies borrowing twice what graduates of peer programs typically take on. Unless there are compelling scheduling or support services that other Georgia schools can't match, state alternatives would likely deliver similar career outcomes with substantially less financial risk.