Computer Science at Moraine Valley Community College

Moraine Valley's associate degree in computer science comes with an estimated debt load of $12,458—manageable by most standards—but peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $39,118. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 means you'd be looking at roughly four months of gross salary to cover the debt, which falls well within the conventional "safe" threshold of keeping education debt below one year's income.

The challenge here is understanding what an associate degree in computer science actually buys you in today's job market. Similar programs across the country produce graduates earning substantially less than those with bachelor's degrees in the field, and many tech employers still prioritize four-year credentials for entry-level positions. That $39,118 figure suggests these graduates are landing help desk, IT support, or junior developer roles rather than the higher-paying software engineering positions that typically require a bachelor's degree. With only three schools in Illinois offering this specific credential, it's also a less common pathway than either coding bootcamps or traditional four-year CS programs.

The relatively low debt makes this a lower-risk option if your child needs to start working quickly or plans to transfer credits toward a bachelor's degree later. But if they're aiming for competitive tech industry positions, understand that this associate's may function more as a stepping stone than a destination credential.