Analysis
A debt load around $12,500 for an associate's in computer and information sciences represents a relatively manageable investment, particularly when similar programs nationally produce first-year earnings near $36,000. That 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates could reasonably pay off their loans within a year or two of focused repayment—a favorable position compared to many two-year programs. The challenge, however, is understanding how Owens specifically prepares students for Ohio's tech job market when the earnings and debt figures come from national peer programs rather than tracked outcomes of this school's graduates.
Ohio's tech landscape varies considerably between Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, and smaller markets like Toledo, where Owens is located. Similar associate's programs across the state show debt levels around $29,500—more than double the estimate here—which could indicate Owens offers better value, though without actual graduate data, it's impossible to confirm whether students are securing jobs at the national median rate or facing regional salary constraints. The school's 22% Pell grant rate suggests a relatively modest population of lower-income students, which may reflect its suburban location rather than its accessibility.
The fundamental question is whether this program connects students to entry-level tech positions efficiently. For families considering this investment, request job placement rates, average starting salaries for recent graduates, and which employers actively recruit from Owens. The estimated numbers suggest reasonable value, but actual outcomes from this specific program would provide far more confidence in the decision.
Where Owens Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Computer and Information Sciences associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,750 | $35,761* | — | $12,500* | — | |
| $5,550 | $60,163* | — | $17,218* | 0.29 | |
| $4,257 | $55,961* | $75,016 | $10,250* | 0.18 | |
| $3,540 | $55,738* | $59,873 | $19,140* | 0.34 | |
| $4,740 | $53,219* | — | $20,098* | 0.38 | |
| $16,450 | $50,111* | $65,335 | $22,164* | 0.44 | |
| National Median | — | $35,760* | — | $14,932* | 0.42 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer and information sciences graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Administrators
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
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 Owens Community College, approximately 22% 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 80 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.