Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32—meaning roughly four months of first-year income to cover the full debt load—puts this associate's degree in favorable territory, at least based on what comparable computer science programs nationally suggest. With estimated debt around $12,500 and first-year earnings near $39,000, the financial fundamentals align reasonably well for an entry-level tech credential. Community college programs like this one typically serve as affordable pathways into IT roles or stepping stones toward bachelor's degrees, and these estimates reflect that positioning.
The challenge here is uncertainty. Because enrollment or graduate numbers are too small to report actual outcomes, we're relying entirely on national patterns from peer programs. Computer science associate's degrees vary significantly in how well they translate to employment—some feed directly into help desk, network support, or junior developer roles, while others see graduates transfer to four-year schools rather than enter the workforce immediately. The $39,000 estimate represents a median, meaning actual outcomes for Rowan-Gloucester graduates could run higher or lower depending on local job markets, employer relationships, and whether students complete the degree or transfer.
For parents, the low debt estimate is reassuring, but verify what this program actually prepares students to do. If it's designed as a transfer pathway, compare costs against starting directly at a four-year school. If it's workforce-focused, ask about job placement rates and where recent graduates have landed—those local details matter more than national estimates.
Where Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Computer Science associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,980 | $39,118* | — | $12,458* | — | |
| $6,391 | $79,044* | $83,812 | $15,254* | 0.19 | |
| $5,703 | $48,889* | $81,847 | $13,000* | 0.27 | |
| $8,280 | $47,904* | — | $22,519* | 0.47 | |
| $5,520 | $30,332* | — | $9,000* | 0.30 | |
| $5,218 | $24,888* | $46,054 | $8,750* | 0.35 | |
| National Median | — | $39,118* | — | $12,458* | 0.32 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
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 Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester Campus, approximately 28% 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 6 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.