Location: Houston, TX•In-State Tuition: $2,040•Out-of-State Tuition: $5,460
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$43,727
Est. from national median (5 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$19,107
Est. from TX median (3 programs)

Analysis

Starting salaries in the $43,000 range represent a solid outcome for a short-term credential, but the estimated $19,000 in debt for Houston Community College's programming certificate warrants close attention. This debt figure sits above the national median of $14,340 for similar programs and matches the Texas state median—meaning this certificate could cost more than many comparable options. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44, graduates would need to dedicate nearly half their first year's salary to eliminate this debt, assuming they focus exclusively on repayment.

The earnings estimate, drawn from peer programs nationwide, aligns with what Dallas College graduates actually report but exceeds outcomes at Amarillo College by about $6,500. This suggests the figure is reasonable for Texas, though local job market conditions in Houston could shift outcomes either direction. The real question is whether families can access this training at lower cost—community college certificates often come with minimal debt when students avoid borrowing for living expenses or attend part-time while working.

Before committing, get specific numbers from Houston Community College's financial aid office about what this certificate actually costs after grants for your family's situation. If the true cost approaches that $19,000 estimate, explore whether coding bootcamps, self-study with professional certifications, or programs at colleges with lower reported debt might deliver similar skills for less financial risk.

Where Houston Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer programming certificate's programs nationally

Houston Community College (estimated ±10%)Other computer programming programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Computer Programming certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (26 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Houston Community CollegeHouston$2,040$43,727*—$19,107*—
Dallas CollegeDallas$2,370$43,727*$48,595$19,107*0.44
Amarillo CollegeAmarillo$2,136$37,250*—$11,884*0.32
National Median—$43,727*—$14,340*0.33
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer programming graduates

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web Developers

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Computer Network Support Specialists

Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.

$61,550/yrJobs growth:
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 Houston Community College, approximately 37% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 5 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.