Analysis
Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City turns in one of the stronger performances among Missouri's computer programming programs—solid middle-of-the-pack statewide at the 60th percentile, but notably above the national median by over $8,000. More impressive is how this gap widens: by year four, graduates earn nearly $61,000, a 29% jump that suggests employers value the practical skills this program builds. At just $11,000 in debt, students here borrow 40% less than the typical programming associate's degree graduate nationally.
The economics work clearly in students' favor. With debt representing just three months of first-year earnings, graduates can realistically pay down loans quickly while building savings. That low debt burden is especially meaningful for the 30% of students here on Pell grants, who often face tighter financial margins. While Ranken Technical shows similar outcomes, Metropolitan Community College delivers comparable career preparation at a more accessible debt level.
For Kansas City families looking at tech careers without bachelor's degree debt, this program offers a practical on-ramp. The strong earnings trajectory suggests employers see these graduates as capable contributors, not just entry-level hires treading water.
Where Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer programming associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City | $46,804 | $60,538 | +29% |
| Gwinnett Technical College | $35,284 | $70,026 | +98% |
| Cincinnati State Technical and Community College | $55,996 | $67,313 | +20% |
| Ranken Technical College | $43,573 | $53,268 | +22% |
| Ozarks Technical Community College | $37,074 | $37,676 | +2% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Computer Programming associates's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Metropolitan Community College-Kansas CityKansas City | $3,630 | $46,804 | $60,538 | $11,038 | 0.24 |
 Ranken Technical CollegeSaint Louis | $17,490 | $43,573 | $53,268 | $13,325 | 0.31 |
 Ozarks Technical Community CollegeSpringfield | $4,184 | $37,074 | $37,676 | $14,029 | 0.38 |
| National Median | — | $38,086 | — | $17,108 | 0.45 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer programming graduates
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Computer Network Support Specialists
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 Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City, approximately 30% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 35 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.