Computer Programming at Fox Valley Technical College

Fox Valley Technical College's Computer Programming program punches well above its weight class nationally, with first-year earnings of $54,652 placing graduates in the 95th percentile compared to similar associate programs across the country. That's a significant achievement—earning $16,500 more than the typical graduate from this program nationwide, and nearly $10,000 more than Wisconsin's median. The debt load of $13,812 translates to a 0.25 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in just three months of gross income.

What makes this particularly interesting for Wisconsin families is the context: while this program ranks exceptionally high nationally, it sits at the 60th percentile within the state. That's not a red flag—it actually reveals that Wisconsin's technical college system produces strong outcomes in tech fields across the board. Fox Valley still outearns nearby competitors like Gateway Technical College by roughly $13,000 annually, and earnings growth of 13% over four years suggests graduates are building sustainable careers rather than hitting a ceiling.

For a parent weighing community college options in tech, this represents one of the strongest value propositions available. Your child would enter the workforce with minimal debt, earning more than most four-year computer science graduates make initially, and doing so in Wisconsin's Fox Cities region where tech jobs are growing but competition remains manageable.