Computer and Information Sciences at George C Wallace State Community College-Selma

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 suggests this certificate could pay for itself relatively quickly, though the figures here come from national peers rather than Wallace-Selma's own graduates. Based on comparable computer science certificate programs nationwide, students typically earn around $39,000 in their first year and borrow roughly $12,400. That's a manageable debt load if the earnings hold—you're looking at payments that might take 10-15% of gross income, leaving room to build from there.

The challenge is that certificate programs in tech can be hit-or-miss depending on local job markets and how well the curriculum matches employer needs. Selma isn't a major tech hub, which means graduates might need to relocate or commute to find positions that match these salary expectations. The 37% Pell enrollment suggests this program serves students who need credentials to work quickly, not necessarily those planning to transfer for a bachelor's degree. If your child needs immediate job-ready skills and has employment options lined up, the estimated numbers look reasonable.

The key question is whether this specific program's curriculum and connections deliver what the national averages suggest. Talk to current students or recent graduates about job placement. Without actual outcome data from Wallace-Selma, you're betting that their version of a computer science certificate performs as well as the national median—not a guarantee in a smaller market.