Computer Programming at Minneapolis Community and Technical College

Minneapolis Community and Technical College's computer programming associate's degree produces graduates who earn nearly $17,000 more than the national median for similar programs—a substantial premium that places it in the 95th percentile nationally. Within Minnesota, though, this outcome sits at the 60th percentile, suggesting the state's tech sector broadly supports strong pay for associate-level programmers. Still, starting at $55,069 and climbing to nearly $66,000 within four years represents solid economic mobility for a two-year program.

The debt picture reinforces this program's value: at $22,600, graduates borrow just 41% of their first-year earnings, well below concerning thresholds. This means most graduates could reasonably pay off their loans within three years while maintaining a decent standard of living. The program serves a significant number of Pell-eligible students (40%), making this pathway particularly important for those seeking tech careers without bachelor's degree time and expense.

The major caveat here is sample size—fewer than 30 recent graduates means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. That said, the combination of below-average debt and well-above-average earnings creates meaningful financial breathing room. For Minnesota families considering affordable tech training, this program demonstrates that community college can deliver competitive outcomes, even if it doesn't lead the state pack.