Computer Software and Media Applications at Hudson Valley Community College

Hudson Valley Community College's software program lands in an interesting middle ground—it outperforms most New York programs (60th percentile statewide) while trailing the national median by nearly $5,000 in first-year earnings. The $9,926 debt load is notably lower than both state and national medians, making the initial investment manageable even if starting salaries feel modest. That 44% earnings jump to $34,578 by year four suggests graduates gain traction as they build experience, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means your child's outcome could vary significantly from these figures.

The real trade-off here is geographic: this program works financially if your student plans to stay in New York, where it performs above average. But if they're eyeing opportunities in tech hubs where national competition matters, they'd be starting behind peers from stronger programs. The low debt minimizes risk—you're looking at less than half a year's earnings owed—but the $24,099 starting salary means living independently right after graduation will be tight.

For an in-state student comfortable with New York's tech market and willing to grind through those first couple years, the economics work. The combination of affordable debt and solid growth trajectory creates a viable path into software work without the financial burden many programs carry.