Analysis
An estimated debt load of $12,458 against first-year earnings around $39,000 suggests a manageable financial path for an associate degree in computer science—the kind of ratio that typically allows graduates to handle payments without derailing other life goals. Based on comparable programs nationally, this debt-to-earnings picture falls squarely in reasonable territory for a two-year tech credential.
What's less clear is how Massasoit's program performs relative to other Massachusetts options. The national benchmark suggests earnings of $39,000, but peer programs in Massachusetts actually report a median closer to $30,000—a significant gap that matters when you're calculating payback timelines. Whether Massasoit's graduates track closer to the stronger national average or the softer state numbers determines whether this investment outpaces alternatives like Bunker Hill Community College, where reported earnings sit at that $30,000 mark.
For parents evaluating this program, the debt picture looks reasonable but the earnings uncertainty is real. Before committing, ask the school directly about job placement rates and where recent graduates landed—actual outcomes from this specific program will tell you far more than estimates from peer schools can. The fundamentals suggest this could work financially, but you need local data to know whether it's genuinely competitive with other Massachusetts community colleges offering the same credential.
Where Massasoit Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Computer Science associates's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,376 | $39,118* | — | $12,458* | — | |
| $5,520 | $30,332* | — | $9,000* | 0.30 | |
| National Median | — | $39,118* | — | $12,458* | 0.32 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Massasoit Community College, approximately 28% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 6 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.