Computer and Information Sciences at Madisonville Community College

Based on similar programs across Kentucky, graduates from this IT associate's program typically start around $38,000—slightly above the national median for this credential—but with an unusual earnings trajectory that should raise questions. While the debt load of roughly $15,000 appears manageable against first-year earnings (a 0.40 ratio that's below national averages), the drop to $31,615 by year four defies the typical pattern where tech workers see growth. This backward slide could reflect graduates moving into lower-paying roles, leaving the field entirely, or part-time work, and it's a pattern worth investigating before committing to this path.

The program sits in the middle of Kentucky's IT associate's offerings, but notably trails Gateway Community and Technical College's $49,753 outcomes by a wide margin. That $11,000+ gap in first-year earnings persists across multiple top programs in the state, suggesting that location, employer networks, or curriculum differences create meaningful disparities in graduate outcomes. For a field where certifications and hands-on skills often matter as much as the degree itself, these variations matter.

Given the earnings decline through year four and the middle-of-the-pack performance, parents should investigate what's driving these patterns—whether it's regional job market constraints in Madisonville or program-specific factors. The debt burden won't sink you, but the lack of earnings growth suggests this may function more as a stepping stone than a destination credential.