Computer and Information Sciences at San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia

San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia graduates earn $44,653 within a year—matching California's median for associate-level computer science programs and outpacing the national median by nearly $9,000. That 83rd percentile national ranking suggests this program delivers strong early outcomes, though the small graduating class (fewer than 30 students) means these numbers could shift year to year. The $19,300 in typical debt sits well below both state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 that most graduates could reasonably manage.

The 60th percentile California ranking deserves context: at the state median earnings level, being "middle of the pack" here still means solid outcomes, especially when you're borrowing $5,000 less than typical California students in this field. Nearly half the students receive Pell grants, indicating the college serves working-class families who need credentials that translate quickly to paychecks.

The practical question is sustainability. Associate degrees in tech can launch careers, but they can also hit early ceiling points without further education or specialized skills. For a family weighing community college versus this private program, the debt differential matters—you're paying more than a community college route but considerably less than California's typical computer science associate program. If your student needs structured support and job placement assistance, that premium might be worthwhile, but verify current placement rates given the small cohort size.