Computer and Information Sciences at Great Falls College Montana State University

A two-year tech degree typically promises quick entry into decent-paying work, and based on comparable programs nationally, this path suggests starting earnings around $36,000—right at the national median for computer science associate's degrees. With estimated debt of $12,500, you're looking at a manageable 35-cent debt burden for every dollar earned in that first year, which falls comfortably below the warning threshold most financial advisors use.

The challenge here is the ceiling. While these estimated figures position this program as average nationally, Montana's tech job market is thin compared to urban tech hubs, which could mean fewer advancement opportunities unless your student plans to relocate. The estimated earnings put them barely above what many retail management positions pay, and without specific placement data from Great Falls College itself, it's harder to gauge whether local employers actively recruit from this program or what kinds of roles graduates actually land.

For families deciding between this associate's and either entering the workforce immediately or pursuing a bachelor's elsewhere, the relatively low debt load is the strongest selling point. If your student needs credentials fast and can't afford four years of school, similar programs nationwide suggest this won't bury them in debt. But push the school for concrete placement information—where do their grads actually work, and do they stay in Montana? Those answers matter more than these estimated national benchmarks.