Computer and Information Sciences at Florida Career College-Houston

Stacking this program against Texas community colleges tells you what you need to know: graduates earn about $33,900, which trails Austin Community College grads by $15,000 and falls roughly $1,700 below the state median for similar programs. While the $18,391 in debt sits slightly above typical levels for associate's programs in tech, the bigger red flag is zero earnings growth—graduates make essentially the same four years out as they do fresh out of school. That's unusual in a field where skills and certifications typically translate to better opportunities over time.

The small sample size here—under 30 graduates tracked—means these numbers could swing significantly with different cohorts. That uncertainty matters when three-quarters of students rely on Pell grants to afford the program. At public community colleges across Houston, students access similar computer science programs with stronger placement outcomes and lower tuition. Before committing $18,000 in debt, compare what nearby community colleges offer for in-state residents—you'll likely find both better value and more reliable outcome data that isn't based on such a limited sample.