Computer and Information Sciences at Erie Community College

Erie Community College's associate's in Computer and Information Sciences shows notably stronger earnings growth than typical for a two-year tech program. Starting at $35,253, graduates see their pay jump 26% to $44,341 by year four—solid progression for an associate's degree in a region where New York's median for this program is just $29,810. The $12,000 debt load is manageable, working out to about four months of first-year salary.

Within New York, this program ranks in the 60th percentile—outperforming most SUNY community colleges offering computer science while keeping debt below the state median. The earnings trajectory suggests graduates are successfully moving into better-paying tech roles or leveraging the associate's as a springboard. Compared to the state's top performer, Nassau Community College at $39,199, Erie grads start lower but the growth pattern indicates they're catching up.

The value case here hinges on your child's plans after graduation. If they're entering the workforce immediately or using this as an affordable foundation before transferring to a bachelor's program, the combination of low debt and improving earnings makes sense. For a family concerned about tech education costs, spending $12,000 to access Buffalo's IT job market—where grads see steady raises—is reasonable positioning, especially given the 38% Pell grant population suggests this school understands financial constraints.