Analysis
A $20,729 debt load for an associate degree that lands you in the mid-$30,000s isn't terrible by community college standards, but the trajectory here deserves attention. Similar computer programming programs in Ohio suggest first-year earnings around $36,400—right at the state median but notably below what Cincinnati State grads achieve at nearly $56,000. That $20,000 gap in starting salary matters when you're carrying similar debt.
The silver lining is the four-year earnings figure of $69,732, which suggests strong mid-career growth potential in Ohio's tech sector. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 means graduates can reasonably tackle their loans if they land solid first positions and stick with the field. For context, the national median debt for this credential is about $17,000—so you're paying slightly above average while starting at typical wages.
The question is whether Sinclair's network and local employer connections can help graduates reach that higher four-year mark faster. If your child is committed to programming and plans to stay in the Dayton area, this path offers reasonable economics. But if they're comparing options, Cincinnati State's graduates appear to launch at a significantly higher altitude with comparable training.
Where Sinclair Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer programming associates's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sinclair Community College | — | $69,732 | — |
| Cincinnati State Technical and Community College | $55,996 | $67,313 | +20% |
| Cuyahoga Community College District | $33,937 | $53,456 | +58% |
| Kent State University at East Liverpool | $36,388 | $36,797 | +1% |
| Kent State University at Trumbull | $36,388 | $36,797 | +1% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Computer Programming associates's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (29 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Sinclair Community CollegeDayton | $3,435 | $36,388* | $69,732 | $20,729* | — |
 Cincinnati State Technical and Community CollegeCincinnati | $5,400 | $55,996* | $67,313 | $12,736* | 0.23 |
 Kent State University at AshtabulaAshtabula | $7,272 | $36,388* | $36,797 | $20,729* | 0.57 |
| Kent State University at East LiverpoolEast Liverpool | $7,272 | $36,388* | $36,797 | $20,729* | 0.57 |
| Kent State University at TrumbullWarren | $7,272 | $36,388* | $36,797 | $20,729* | 0.57 |
| Kent State University at TuscarawasNew Philadelphia | $7,272 | $36,388* | $36,797 | $20,729* | 0.57 |
| National Median | — | $38,086* | — | $17,108* | 0.45 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer programming graduates
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Computer Network Support Specialists
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 Sinclair Community College, approximately 27% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 9 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.