Computer and Information Sciences at Northeast Community College

A $12,400 debt load for a one-year certificate sounds manageable, but the estimated first-year earnings of $38,858—based on comparable programs nationally—lag significantly behind what similar IT certificates produce in Nebraska. The University of Nebraska at Omaha's graduates in this field earn nearly $59,000, suggesting that location, curriculum focus, or employer networks can create a $20,000 annual earnings gap within the same state.

The 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio looks reasonable on paper, and Northeast's relatively low Pell grant percentage (17%) hints at a less financially vulnerable student body. But peer programs in Nebraska typically carry higher debt—around $19,875—which raises questions about whether this certificate provides the same depth of training or credential recognition that employers value. Short-term IT certificates can be solid investments when they lead directly to entry-level positions, but the earnings gap here matters: that's $1,600 less per month compared to what other Nebraska programs achieve.

If your child is considering this route, focus on placement rates and whether the curriculum aligns with specific employer needs in northeast Nebraska. A certificate that gets someone hired at a regional bank or healthcare system's IT department can be worth more than the earnings estimate suggests, but one that leaves graduates competing for generic help desk roles may struggle to justify even modest debt when stronger programs exist in-state.