Computer and Information Sciences at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College

Similar programs across Kentucky suggest this associate's degree produces first-year earnings around $38,000, right at the state median, with debt of $16,000—a manageable 0.42 ratio that means graduates need to set aside about five months of earnings to cover what they borrowed. By year four, earnings climb to nearly $45,000, which represents solid momentum in a field where hands-on experience often matters as much as credentials.

The challenge is context. Other Kentucky community colleges offering comparable computer science programs show a wide spread: Gateway grads earn nearly $50,000 in their first year, while Somerset sits closer to $37,000. Without actual reported data for Elizabethtown specifically, it's unclear where this program lands in that range. The $38,000 estimate is derived from the state median, making it neither a best-case nor worst-case scenario—just the middle of the pack.

For parents evaluating cost versus outcome, the debt level is reasonable and the four-year earnings trajectory suggests graduates can advance. But if your student is already leaning toward tech, it's worth comparing specific outcomes at nearby schools like Gateway or Jefferson before committing. The difference between $38,000 and $50,000 in starting salary is real money, especially when the debt is similar across programs.