Computer Programming at North Seattle College

A debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5 is typically considered manageable, and these estimated figures—$17,750 in debt against first-year earnings around $38,000—suggest this program could deliver reasonable value. Based on national medians for associate-level computer programming, graduates should be able to tackle their student loans while building toward better-paying positions. Tech-heavy Seattle offers obvious advantages for entry-level programmers, though breaking into the market with a two-year degree means competing against bachelor's holders in a saturated field.

The challenge is that we're working entirely with estimates here, since North Seattle's graduate pool is too small for the Department of Education to publish actual outcomes. Without concrete data on where this program's specific graduates land—whether they're securing developer roles at local companies or struggling to differentiate themselves—it's difficult to assess how well the curriculum and placement support match Seattle's competitive tech landscape. That 14% Pell grant rate suggests this isn't primarily serving lower-income students who might face additional barriers to entry.

If your child is considering this route, the estimated numbers alone don't raise red flags, but you'll want direct answers from the program: employment rates for recent graduates, typical job titles and starting salaries, and whether most students transfer to bachelor's programs versus entering the workforce immediately. In Seattle's market, an associate degree may be a cost-effective start, but only if it's paired with strong industry connections or a clear pathway to further credentials.