Computer and Information Sciences at Mount Wachusett Community College

Mount Wachusett Community College graduates from this computer science associate's program with remarkably low debt—just $9,834, well below both the national median ($14,932) and barely above Massachusetts' typical debt load. First-year earnings of $38,975 create a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25, meaning graduates can theoretically pay off their loans in three months of gross income. While the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift with more data, the fundamentals look solid: graduates earn above the national median and roughly $2,400 more than the typical Massachusetts community college offering this program.

The earnings performance—60th percentile in Massachusetts and 64th nationally—shows this program holds its own despite being at a smaller community college in a less urban setting. At 38% Pell grant recipients, Mount Wachusett serves many students who need an affordable pathway into tech work, and the debt levels deliver on that promise. The combination of manageable debt and competitive starting salaries makes this a practical option, though parents should understand that an associate's degree typically positions graduates for entry-level IT support or help desk roles rather than software development positions.

For students planning to work immediately after graduation—or use this as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree—this program offers a financially sensible start to a tech career. Just remember the small cohort size means next year's outcomes could vary.