Computer and Information Sciences at Kaskaskia College

An estimated debt load of $12,500 positions this associate's program favorably against both state and national medians—Illinois programs typically carry $17,312 in debt, while the national figure sits at nearly $15,000. Peer programs across the country suggest first-year earnings around $35,761, which creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35. That means graduates would theoretically owe about four months of their first year's salary, a relatively light burden for an IT credential.

The challenge here is Illinois itself. The state median for computer and information sciences associate's programs is $30,889—about $5,000 below what national comparables suggest. This gap matters because it hints that the Illinois IT job market may offer fewer entry points or lower starting wages than other regions. With only one Illinois school reporting actual outcomes data (St. Augustine College at the state median), it's difficult to know whether Kaskaskia College's graduates land closer to national norms or follow the Illinois pattern.

For families weighing this investment, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable financial risk—you're not looking at overwhelming debt. But the state-versus-national earnings gap deserves attention. Before committing, investigate whether Kaskaskia has strong employer pipelines in nearby metros like St. Louis, where IT opportunities might exceed what's available locally in rural Illinois. The degree itself appears affordable; the question is where it leads afterward.