Computer Programming at Hillsborough Community College
Associate's Degree
Analysis
Hillsborough Community College's associate in computer programming delivers $42,710 in first-year earnings—putting graduates ahead of 60% of Florida programs and 68% nationally. That's a solid $3,600 above Florida's median and $4,600 above the national benchmark. The debt load of $18,262 translates to a manageable 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates earn enough to potentially pay off loans within the first year if they're aggressive about it.
The comparison to nearby programs is telling: Hillsborough grads outpace both Santa Fe and Valencia College by at least $3,100 annually. For a community college serving a substantial population of Pell grant recipients (42%), these outcomes suggest strong employer connections in Tampa's tech sector. The program appears to be doing something right—whether that's curriculum, internship pipelines, or job placement support.
The major caveat: fewer than 30 graduates in this cohort means these numbers could swing significantly year to year. But at face value, this looks like a reasonable path into tech work without the four-year price tag. Your child would graduate with modest debt and immediately marketable skills in a region with genuine tech employer demand.
Where Hillsborough Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer programming associates's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Hillsborough Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Hillsborough Community College graduates earn $43k, placing them in the 68th percentile of all computer programming associates programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Computer Programming associates's programs at peer institutions in Florida (25 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hillsborough Community College | $42,710 | — | $18,262 | 0.43 |
| Santa Fe College | $39,098 | — | $15,100 | 0.39 |
| Valencia College | $36,601 | $63,680 | $14,070 | 0.38 |
| National Median | $38,086 | — | $17,108 | 0.45 |
Other Computer Programming Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe College Gainesville | $2,563 | $39,098 | $15,100 |
| Valencia College Orlando | $2,474 | $36,601 | $14,070 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Hillsborough Community College, approximately 42% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 18 graduates with reported earnings and 19 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.