Computer and Information Sciences at Jefferson Community and Technical College

Jefferson Community and Technical College's computer science associate's degree outperforms most comparable programs, landing graduates in the 65th percentile nationally and 60th percentile statewide—notably above Kentucky's median of $38,096. The $39,235 starting salary isn't flashy, but it's solid for a two-year degree with manageable debt of $15,109. That 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly what they'll earn in five months, which is quite reasonable for launching a tech career.

The 19% earnings growth to $46,823 by year four suggests these graduates are gaining traction in the job market, though Jefferson doesn't match the elite outcomes at Gateway Community and Technical College ($49,753). Still, this program delivers better-than-average results for both Kentucky and the nation, particularly for students who need to stay local and keep costs down. The relatively low Pell grant percentage (29%) might indicate limited financial aid support, so cost-conscious families should verify aid packages carefully.

For a parent weighing options, this is a practical path into IT work without the debt burden of a bachelor's degree. The earnings trajectory shows real career progression, and graduates start above the median for similar programs across 731 schools nationwide. It's not the highest-earning tech program in Kentucky, but it's a dependable choice that gets students working quickly with debt they can reasonably manage.