Computer Software and Media Applications at Portland Community College

Portland Community College graduates from this associate's program earn $37,572 in their first year—substantially above the national median of $29,081 and ranking in the 79th percentile nationally. Within Oregon's limited pool of six similar programs, this sits right at the state median, suggesting PCC delivers competitive but not exceptional results compared to local alternatives. The $23,570 in median debt translates to a manageable 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates should be able to handle their student loan payments on entry-level tech salaries.

The earnings trajectory shows steady growth to $41,639 by year four, an 11% increase that indicates these skills retain market value. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means a few outliers could significantly skew these numbers either direction. For context, this debt level sits in just the 16th percentile nationally—meaning most similar programs saddle students with more debt—which helps offset the concern about limited data reliability.

For families considering this program, the combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings creates a solid foundation, particularly for students who need an affordable entry point into tech careers. Just recognize these numbers may not be as stable as data from larger programs, and verify current curriculum aligns with in-demand skills in Portland's tech market.