Computer and Information Sciences at Leeward Community College

At $12,500 in estimated debt—below what similar community college programs typically see nationally—this associate's degree appears positioned as an affordable entry point into tech careers. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 suggests manageable repayment, though it's worth noting these first-year figures are drawn from national benchmarks for computer science associate's programs rather than Leeward's specific graduate outcomes.

The real story emerges in year four, where actual data shows median earnings jumping to $57,868. That's a substantial increase that could reflect graduates either continuing their education or gaining traction in Hawaii's tech sector. For context, comparable programs nationwide typically produce first-year earnings around $35,760, so the trajectory here aligns with broader patterns. With only three schools in Hawaii offering this program and no other reported outcomes available in-state, local competition data is limited.

The practical question is whether this two-year pathway makes sense given Hawaii's cost of living and tech job market. The estimated debt load won't be crushing, and if the four-year earnings hold, graduates could reasonably manage payments while building experience. However, parents should recognize these projections are based on peer programs elsewhere, not Leeward's actual track record. Understanding whether local tech employers value this specific credential—and whether graduates typically transfer to four-year programs—would clarify the path forward.