Computer and Information Sciences at NHTI-Concord's Community College

This two-year IT program shows a promising earnings trajectory, though initial outcomes fall well short of what similar programs across New Hampshire typically deliver. While comparable programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $36,000, other computer science associate's programs in the state average $50,000—a gap of roughly $14,000 that represents a meaningful delay in earning potential. The estimated $12,500 in debt sits comfortably below both state and national medians for this field, creating a manageable 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio even at the lower starting point.

The four-year earnings figure of $57,000 tells a more optimistic story, suggesting graduates eventually close much of that initial gap. This pattern—modest beginnings followed by solid mid-career earnings—is common in technical fields where entry-level positions don't fully capture a graduate's value. However, your child would be starting behind peers from other New Hampshire programs, which matters if they're competing for the same jobs or if those first few years of earnings compound into long-term financial differences.

Given the limited graduate sample that necessitated these estimates, verify current outcomes directly with NHTI's career services office before committing. Ask specifically about job placement rates, employer relationships, and whether most graduates stay in New Hampshire or leave for better markets. The debt load is reasonable, but understanding why this program's early outcomes lag state averages will clarify whether it's a late bloomer or simply less connected to higher-paying opportunities.