Computer and Information Sciences at Garden City Community College

A two-year computer science degree that leaves students with roughly $12,500 in debt and first-year earnings around $35,800—based on what similar community college IT programs nationally produce—offers a relatively quick path into tech without crushing loan burdens. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 suggests manageable repayment, particularly if graduates land entry-level help desk, technical support, or junior developer roles that often start in this salary range.

The challenge is that these national benchmarks represent a wide range of outcomes, and Garden City's rural Kansas location may limit local tech job availability compared to programs near major metros. Students might need to relocate to Kansas City, Wichita, or out of state to access the stronger job markets where associate-degree IT professionals typically command better starting salaries. That said, the relatively low debt load means graduates have flexibility—they can afford to take lower-paying first jobs to gain experience or pursue further education without being locked into immediate high earnings.

For families weighing this option, the math works if your student can secure employment in markets with decent tech sectors. The risk isn't the debt burden—it's whether the credential alone opens enough doors without a bachelor's degree or substantial self-taught skills to supplement it. If your child is motivated to continue learning through certifications or eventual transfer to a four-year program, this could be a cost-effective foundation.