Analysis
Ohio's computer programming associate programs show significant variation, with Cincinnati State graduates earning $56,000 while most other programs cluster around $36,000. Edison State's outcomes—based on comparable programs in the state—fall into this middle tier, suggesting first-year earnings that barely exceed the national median of $38,000. The estimated debt load of $21,000 runs about $4,000 higher than the national typical burden for this credential, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that isn't alarming but isn't particularly favorable either.
The practical calculation matters here: at $36,000 in estimated first-year earnings and $21,000 in debt, graduates would need to commit roughly 57% of their first year's salary to eliminate that debt burden—manageable for a technical credential, but not as strong as many two-year programs achieve. Programming skills generally command higher wages than this as careers progress, but the initial financial picture suggests Edison State's program isn't delivering the same graduate outcomes as the state's standout program just two hours south in Cincinnati.
Given these are estimates from peer programs rather than Edison State's actual graduate outcomes, parents should verify current placement rates and employer partnerships before committing. The field itself remains solid, but this particular program's estimated returns suggest it may not be optimizing the value proposition that associate degrees in tech fields can offer.
Where Edison State Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer programming associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Computer Programming associates's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (29 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,379 | $36,388* | — | $20,729* | — | |
| $5,400 | $55,996* | $67,313 | $12,736* | 0.23 | |
| $7,272 | $36,388* | $36,797 | $20,729* | 0.57 | |
| $7,272 | $36,388* | $36,797 | $20,729* | 0.57 | |
| $7,272 | $36,388* | $36,797 | $20,729* | 0.57 | |
| $7,272 | $36,388* | $36,797 | $20,729* | 0.57 | |
| National Median | — | $38,086* | — | $17,108* | 0.45 |
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 Edison State Community College, approximately 17% 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 median of 9 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.