Computer and Information Sciences at Minnesota State Community and Technical College

Minnesota State Community and Technical College's Computer and Information Sciences associate's program punches well above its weight nationally, landing in the 84th percentile for earnings—about $9,000 above the typical graduate from similar programs nationwide. However, the state comparison is less impressive: at the 60th percentile among Minnesota's three programs offering this degree, it sits right at the state median for both earnings and debt.

The $20,000 debt load translates to a 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than half their first-year salary. That's a manageable burden compared to many two-year tech programs, though the debt is slightly higher than the national median. Starting at nearly $45,000 annually puts graduates in a decent position to handle loan payments while building their careers in IT support, programming, or database roles.

The major caveat here is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates in this cohort means these numbers could swing significantly year to year. A few high or low earners can dramatically shift the median. For parents considering this program, it appears to deliver solid value relative to national competition, but you're essentially betting on consistency from a small program. The economics work if outcomes stay similar, but verify current placement rates and talk to recent graduates before committing.