Location: Danvers, MA•In-State Tuition: $5,352•Out-of-State Tuition: $10,920
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$39,118
Est. from national median (6 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$12,458
Est. from national median (13 programs)

Analysis

The real challenge here is that similar computer science associate's programs in Massachusetts show lower first-year earnings than the national average. While peer programs nationally suggest around $39,000 in starting income, Massachusetts programs typically produce closer to $30,000—a significant gap that should factor into any cost-benefit calculation. North Shore's estimated $12,500 debt load aligns with what community colleges typically charge, but that debt takes on different weight depending on which earnings scenario materializes.

A 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable on paper if graduates match the national benchmark, but if outcomes track closer to the Massachusetts median, that ratio jumps to nearly 0.41. The difference matters practically: at $30,000, monthly loan payments would consume a larger share of take-home pay in a high-cost state like Massachusetts. For families considering this program, the question becomes whether a two-year degree provides sufficient technical depth for the local job market, or whether it serves primarily as a stepping stone to a bachelor's program where the real earnings premium kicks in.

Given the uncertainty in both earnings estimates and the program's actual outcomes, treat this as a foundation credential rather than a terminal degree. If your student plans to transfer and complete a four-year degree, the modest debt makes sense. If they're banking on immediate career entry at competitive wages, comparable Massachusetts programs suggest tempering those expectations.

Where North Shore Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer science associates's programs nationally

North Shore Community College (estimated ±10%)Other computer science programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts

Computer Science associates's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (10 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
North Shore Community CollegeDanvers$5,352$39,118*—$12,458*—
Bunker Hill Community CollegeBoston$5,520$30,332*—$9,000*0.30
National Median—$39,118*—$12,458*0.32
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web Developers

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 North Shore Community College, approximately 33% 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 6 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.