Analysis
An estimated first-year salary of $35,761 paired with $12,500 in debt creates a manageable 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio—roughly 4.2 months of gross pay to clear educational debt. While these figures come from national peer programs rather than Mohave's specific graduate outcomes, they suggest a relatively low-risk investment for an associate's degree. The debt load is particularly modest compared to the national median of nearly $15,000 for similar programs.
However, Arizona's IT market tells a different story than the national average suggests. Other computer science associate's programs in the state produce median earnings around $48,236—nearly $13,000 higher than what comparable programs nationwide typically yield. This gap raises questions about whether Mohave's program connects students to Arizona's stronger-paying tech opportunities or whether graduates end up in lower-tier positions that mirror national rather than state-level wages.
For families weighing this program, the math works if your student plans to enter the workforce quickly and avoid further debt. The low borrowing makes this a recoverable investment even in a worst-case scenario. But given Arizona's above-average IT wages, it's worth investigating whether Mohave's curriculum and employer connections position graduates for the better-paying local opportunities or if you'd be better served by a program with established placement into Arizona's tech sector.
Where Mohave Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona
Computer and Information Sciences associates's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,136 | $35,761* | — | $12,500* | — | |
| $9,552 | $48,236* | $46,645 | $23,849* | 0.49 | |
| National Median | — | $35,760* | — | $14,932* | 0.42 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer and information sciences graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Administrators
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
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 Mohave Community College, approximately 31% 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 80 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.