Computer and Information Sciences at North Dakota State College of Science

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 suggests manageable financial exposure for this certificate program, though both figures are estimates drawn from peer programs nationally. With estimated first-year earnings around $39,000 and debt near $12,500, graduates would face monthly loan payments of roughly $140 on a standard 10-year plan—about 4% of gross income, well below concerning thresholds.

The challenge is that certificate programs in computer and information sciences vary dramatically in their actual outcomes. Some focus on high-demand specializations like cybersecurity or network administration that command strong starting salaries, while others cover broader topics with less immediate market value. The national data includes both ends of this spectrum, and without reported outcomes specific to North Dakota State College of Science, it's difficult to know where this program falls. The school serves relatively few Pell recipients (17%), which may indicate either a workforce-focused student body or limited accessibility for lower-income students seeking technical training.

For a short-term credential, the estimated debt level is reasonable if the program delivers marketable skills quickly. But parents should investigate exactly what technical competencies graduates gain, whether the curriculum aligns with current employer needs in North Dakota's job market, and what specific roles recent completers have secured. The financial picture looks workable on paper, but the program's actual value hinges entirely on its ability to translate classroom learning into employment—something these estimates can't verify.