Computer and Information Sciences at Eastern Arizona College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 puts this certificate in solid territory—based on comparable computer science certificate programs nationally, graduates typically earn around $39,000 in their first year while carrying roughly $12,400 in debt. That means the typical graduate would need about four months of gross income to cover what they borrowed, which is manageable by most standards. The national median debt for similar programs is actually slightly lower at $11,000, but Eastern Arizona College's estimated figure isn't dramatically higher.

The challenge here is that we're working entirely with estimates since this program's graduate cohort is too small for the Department of Education to publish actual outcomes. When similar programs across the country produce first-year earnings around $39,000, there's meaningful variation—the top quartile reaches $45,400, suggesting location and individual hustle matter considerably. Arizona's tech job market, particularly around Phoenix and Tucson, could offer opportunities well above this baseline, though Thatcher itself is a small rural community where local employment options may be limited.

For parents, this certificate represents a relatively low-risk credential if your student can complete it efficiently and leverage it for entry-level IT support or help desk roles. The debt load won't be crushing, but understand you're making this decision with borrowed data rather than this school's actual track record—outcomes could vary significantly based on how aggressively your student pursues opportunities beyond the immediate area.