Computer Programming at Rowan University

A debt load around $13,000 for a programming certificate—based on typical borrowing patterns at Rowan—looks manageable against estimated first-year earnings of $44,000, which mirrors the national median for these programs. That 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates could reasonably handle repayment while building their careers, though it's worth noting these figures come from peer institutions rather than Rowan's specific outcomes.

The challenge with programming certificates is they serve different purposes for different students. Some use them as career-switching credentials after already holding degrees, while others pursue them as standalone qualifications in a field where employers increasingly value demonstrated skills over formal credentials. At a selective public university like Rowan (78% admission rate, solid SAT scores), you're likely getting solid instruction, but the certificate's value will heavily depend on your child's existing background and what they build alongside it—GitHub projects, internships, practical experience.

The real question is whether this specific pathway makes sense compared to alternatives. If your child already has a bachelor's in another field and wants to pivot into tech, a certificate might be the efficient choice. But if they're starting from scratch, a full computer science degree typically opens more doors and commands higher starting salaries. The estimated numbers here suggest the certificate can work financially, but career trajectory matters as much as that first paycheck.