Computer and Information Sciences at Rio Salado College

An estimated debt load of $12,500 is relatively manageable, but the concerning figure here is what similar programs produce in first-year earnings—roughly $35,800 nationally. That's notably below what you'd expect in Arizona's tech market, where computer science associate degree holders from programs with reported data typically earn around $48,200. University of Phoenix-Arizona's graduates, for instance, start at that higher figure, suggesting Rio Salado's estimated earnings may reflect different program focus, student employment patterns, or the challenges of attending a primarily online community college.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 looks reasonable on paper—you could theoretically pay off the loan in under a year if you devoted significant income to it. But the gap between estimated earnings here and what Arizona's tech sector actually pays for this credential matters. If the $35,800 figure holds true, students are leaving potentially $12,000 annually on the table compared to peers in similar programs within the state. That could reflect Rio Salado serving students who work part-time or enter lower-paying IT support roles rather than development positions.

For parents, the key question is whether this program leads to the same employment outcomes as other Arizona schools. Given Rio Salado's online delivery model and low Pell grant percentage, their students may differ significantly from traditional community college populations. Before committing, verify whether graduates land jobs comparable to University of Phoenix or other state programs—if not, this becomes a case of getting what you pay for, even at community college prices.