Computer Programming at Gateway Technical College

Gateway Technical College graduates this programming program with remarkably low debt—just $9,833 compared to the state median of $13,812—but starting salaries trail other Wisconsin technical colleges by a meaningful margin. At $41,728, graduates earn about $3,000 less than the state median and roughly $13,000 less than Fox Valley Tech grads, placing this program in the 40th percentile statewide despite ranking in the 64th percentile nationally.

The debt picture partially compensates for the lower earnings. That 0.24 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than three months of salary, which is exceptional for any two-year program. Compared to the national median debt of $17,108, Gateway students are borrowing nearly $7,000 less. This matters because the difference between a $100 monthly loan payment and a $175 payment compounds over the ten-year repayment period.

The caveat: this analysis relies on fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary substantially. For a Wisconsin family choosing between technical colleges, Gateway offers an affordable entry point into programming, though students willing to relocate or attend Fox Valley might see stronger earnings potential. The low debt makes this a relatively safe bet for students uncertain about completing a four-year degree later.