Computer and Information Sciences at Roxbury Community College

An estimated $9,300 in debt for an associate's degree in computer science positions Roxbury graduates more favorably than the national picture, where comparable programs typically saddle students with nearly $15,000. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 suggests manageable monthly payments—roughly $100 on a ten-year plan—which matters considerably for a college serving predominantly Pell Grant recipients. However, the estimated first-year earnings of around $35,800 trail what similar programs produce at Mount Wachusett Community College by about $3,000, which adds up to real money over a career starting point.

The modest debt advantage here stems from Roxbury's community college structure rather than exceptional outcomes in tech fields. Massachusetts tech employers typically pay entry-level associate degree holders in this range regardless of which community college they attended, so the value proposition hinges almost entirely on keeping costs down. For families where a four-year degree isn't immediately feasible, this becomes a practical entry point into IT support or help desk roles—positions that exist but don't command premium salaries in Boston's expensive market.

The bottom line: if your child can complete this program with minimal additional borrowing beyond the estimated $9,300, it's a reasonable foundation for employment while potentially continuing education. But understand you're looking at estimated figures from peer programs, and the actual debt load could vary based on how quickly they finish and what aid they receive.