Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 suggests that graduates of similar community college programming programs might reasonably expect to manage their education costs—with debt roughly equal to half a year's earnings. Based on national data from comparable associate's programs, first-year earnings around $38,000 align with what two-year programming credentials typically produce. For a community college serving a predominantly Pell-eligible population in rural Mississippi, these figures represent accessible entry into tech work without the debt burden of a four-year degree.
The challenge is that these estimates come from peer programs nationally, not actual outcomes from Northeast Mississippi's graduates. Mississippi's tech labor market differs significantly from national averages, and Booneville's rural location may limit immediate local opportunities. Students might need to relocate or work remotely to reach these earning levels, which adds practical complications the numbers don't capture.
For families evaluating this program, the estimated debt load appears manageable if the earnings materialize—but recognize you're working from comparable programs elsewhere, not proven outcomes here. Before committing, verify what specific programming languages and platforms the curriculum emphasizes, and research whether Northeast Mississippi maintains relationships with regional employers who actually hire their graduates.
Where Northeast Mississippi Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer programming associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Computer Programming associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,770 | $38,086* | — | $17,750* | — | |
| $4,872 | $63,559* | $56,895 | $12,000* | 0.19 | |
| $5,400 | $55,996* | $67,313 | $12,736* | 0.23 | |
| $6,128 | $55,069* | $65,758 | $22,600* | 0.41 | |
| $4,916 | $54,652* | $61,493 | $13,812* | 0.25 | |
| $7,650 | $53,874* | — | $14,827* | 0.28 | |
| National Median | — | $38,086* | — | $17,108* | 0.45 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer programming graduates
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Computer Network Support Specialists
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 Northeast Mississippi Community College, approximately 58% 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 30 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.