Computer and Information Sciences at Lakes Region Community College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 suggests manageable financial footing, but that's only part of the story here. Based on comparable associate programs nationally, Lakes Region graduates might expect around $35,800 in first-year earnings and $12,500 in debt—numbers that look reasonable until you consider what's happening elsewhere in New Hampshire. Southern New Hampshire University's tech graduates report median earnings of $50,000, which is 40% higher than what similar national programs typically produce.

This gap matters because New Hampshire's tech sector generally pays well for associate-level credentials. If Lakes Region's actual outcomes track closer to state norms rather than the national average used for these estimates, the program would represent solid value. But if they mirror the national pattern—which is what we're working with here—students might be leaving significant earning potential on the table. The relatively low 28% Pell grant enrollment suggests Lakes Region primarily serves students with more financial resources, who presumably have choices about where to study.

Without actual outcome data for this specific program, you're essentially betting on whether Lakes Region can deliver state-competitive results despite being estimated at national-average performance. That's a meaningful uncertainty when the state benchmark sits $14,000 higher annually. If your child is set on staying local, direct conversations with the school about graduate placement and starting salaries would be essential before committing.