Computer Programming at Ozarks Technical Community College

Ozarks Technical's computer programming associate comes with a significant caveat: graduates earn roughly $6,000 less than the typical Missouri community college graduate in this field, landing in just the 40th percentile statewide. While the $37,074 starting salary beats retail or service work, nearby Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City produces graduates earning $46,804—nearly 26% more for a similar two-year investment. The earnings also barely budge over four years, suggesting limited career progression compared to programs where graduates see meaningful salary growth.

The debt load of $14,029 is manageable—you're looking at payments around $150/month—but it's higher than Missouri's state median for this program. Given the below-average earnings, graduates face a tighter financial picture than peers at other Missouri schools who carry similar debt but earn considerably more. The 38% debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming, but it's less favorable when you consider what other in-state options deliver.

For families watching every dollar, this program gets graduates employed quickly in tech roles, which matters. But if your student can commute to Kansas City or consider other Missouri options, they'd likely see better returns on the same time investment. The question isn't whether this beats working retail—it does—but whether it's the best computer programming associate available in Missouri. The data suggests it isn't.