Computer and Information Sciences at Salt Lake Community College

Salt Lake Community College's Computer and Information Sciences associate degree dramatically outperforms the national landscape, with first-year earnings of $56,000 crushing the national median of $36,000 by more than 50%. This places graduates in the 95th percentile nationally—a remarkable result for a two-year program that leaves students with just $10,250 in debt. The 0.18 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can theoretically pay off their loans in about two months of work, and the 34% earnings growth to $75,000 by year four suggests real career trajectory rather than just entry-level placement.

Within Utah, the picture is more moderate but still solid—the program sits at the 60th percentile statewide, which makes sense given the competitive tech market along the Wasatch Front. What matters more is the absolute numbers: starting at $56,000 with minimal debt gives graduates real flexibility to continue their education debt-free or jump directly into the workforce. The combination of strong earnings and low debt beats expensive four-year programs where students might start higher but carry $40,000+ in loans.

For families worried about return on investment, this program delivers exceptional value. The economics work immediately after graduation, and the earnings trajectory suggests employers value these graduates beyond entry-level roles. It's exactly the kind of affordable pathway into tech that justifies community college.