Computer and Information Sciences at Salt Lake Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Salt Lake Community College's computer science certificate punches well above its weight class. At $57,428 in first-year earnings, graduates earn nearly 50% more than the national median for this credential and rank in the 95th percentile nationally. Even within Utah—where tech sector opportunities are strong—this program sits in the 80th percentile, substantially outperforming competitors like Dixie Technical College despite similar credential types.
The financial picture is exceptionally clean. With just $11,000 in median debt (typical for this type of certificate nationally), graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19—meaning the entire debt load represents less than three months of first-year income. That's the kind of math that makes certificate programs attractive alternatives to traditional four-year degrees, particularly for students looking to enter the workforce quickly without accumulating typical bachelor's degree debt.
For an anxious parent wondering whether a certificate program can deliver real career outcomes, this is compelling evidence. Your child would be entering Utah's growing tech ecosystem with stronger earning potential than most certificate holders nationwide, while taking on minimal debt. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonable confidence in these outcomes. This represents one of the strongest returns on investment you'll find in technical education.
Where Salt Lake Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Salt Lake Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Salt Lake Community College graduates earn $57k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all computer and information sciences certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Utah
Computer and Information Sciences certificate's programs at peer institutions in Utah (10 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake Community College | $57,428 | — | $11,000 | 0.19 |
| Dixie Technical College | $41,631 | — | — | — |
| Bridgerland Technical College | $30,139 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $38,858 | — | $11,000 | 0.28 |
Other Computer and Information Sciences Programs in Utah
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Utah schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dixie Technical College Saint George | — | $41,631 | — |
| Bridgerland Technical College Logan | — | $30,139 | — |
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 Salt Lake Community College, approximately 16% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 43 graduates with reported earnings and 83 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.