Computer and Information Sciences at Northeast Community College

An associate's degree in IT often promises quick entry into a growing field, but at Northeast Community College, graduates earn substantially less than peers across Nebraska—landing in just the 25th percentile statewide at $37,509. That's more than $11,000 below the state median of $48,719, and roughly $18,000 behind what Southeast Community College grads make in the same program. Even Metropolitan Community College's program delivers 30% higher starting salaries.

The $12,000 debt load looks manageable on paper, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32. But context matters: you're taking on near-average debt for below-average outcomes within Nebraska. The program does edge above the national median slightly, but that's cold comfort when competing for jobs in a state where employers clearly pay IT workers more—and where other community colleges are better positioned to capture those opportunities.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift with more data, but right now, the pattern is clear. If staying in Nebraska is the plan, this program appears to leave graduates at a competitive disadvantage compared to other in-state options. Before committing, you'd want a compelling reason why this specific program works better for your family's situation than the alternatives an hour away in Lincoln or Omaha.