Computer and Information Sciences at Montcalm Community College

An associate's degree in computer and information sciences through Montcalm Community College appears manageable based on what peer programs typically produce. With estimated debt around $12,500—below the national median for this credential—and first-year earnings similar to programs across the country at roughly $36,000, the debt burden sits at just over a third of that first paycheck. That's a reasonable starting point, particularly given that nearly a third of students here receive Pell grants, suggesting the program serves cost-conscious families.

The challenge is that these figures come entirely from comparable programs nationally, not from Montcalm's actual graduate outcomes. Small graduating classes mean the government doesn't publish specific numbers for this school. What we know is that Michigan has 14 colleges offering this associate's degree, but none report public data either, making state-level comparison impossible. You're essentially betting that Montcalm's outcomes mirror the national pattern—a $36,000 starting salary that needs to grow substantially to justify even this modest debt load over time.

For families weighing this investment, the relatively low estimated debt is the strongest argument in its favor. But without concrete proof that Montcalm graduates land jobs at these salary levels, you're making an informed guess rather than a data-driven decision. Consider whether your student could verify actual placement rates and employer connections before committing.