Analysis
Based on comparable programs nationally, this associate's degree typically produces first-year earnings around $38,000—a figure that lands right at the national median for similar programs. The estimated debt of $17,750 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first year's salary. That's within manageable territory, though not exceptional.
The challenge here is visibility. With 54 schools offering computer programming associate's degrees across California and 415 nationwide, Moreno Valley College's program lacks reported outcomes to distinguish itself from peers. The low Pell grant percentage (20%) suggests this isn't serving many economically vulnerable students, which raises questions about whether the program is actively recruiting or simply maintaining a small presence in the catalog.
For an anxious parent, the underlying question is whether an associate's degree in programming delivers enough value in California's tech-heavy market. Similar programs nationwide suggest modest but steady earnings, and the debt burden appears reasonable. However, without actual graduate outcomes from this specific program, you're betting on Moreno Valley College's execution matching the national average. If your child is considering this path, confirm the program has active industry partnerships and recent job placement success—the absence of reported data makes those practical indicators essential.
Where Moreno Valley College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer programming associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Computer Programming associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,420 | $38,086* | — | $17,750* | — | |
| $4,872 | $63,559* | $56,895 | $12,000* | 0.19 | |
| $5,400 | $55,996* | $67,313 | $12,736* | 0.23 | |
| $6,128 | $55,069* | $65,758 | $22,600* | 0.41 | |
| $4,916 | $54,652* | $61,493 | $13,812* | 0.25 | |
| $7,650 | $53,874* | — | $14,827* | 0.28 | |
| National Median | — | $38,086* | — | $17,108* | 0.45 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer programming graduates
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Computer Network Support Specialists
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 Moreno Valley College, approximately 20% 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 30 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.