Analysis
Snow College's Computer Science associate's program shows a striking gap with Utah's tech market. While Weber State's CS associate graduates earn a reported $79,044 in their first year—reflecting Utah's robust tech sector—comparable programs nationally suggest earnings around $39,000 for Snow College graduates. That's a significant disparity in a state where Silicon Slopes drives strong demand for technical talent.
The estimated $12,500 in debt translates to roughly three months of those projected first-year earnings, which is manageable on paper. But the real question is opportunity cost: if this is meant as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or immediate entry to Utah's tech workforce, you need clarity on how Snow's specific curriculum and transfer agreements position students. National peer programs producing $39K outcomes typically serve different labor markets or function primarily as transfer pathways rather than terminal credentials.
Before committing, find out where Snow's CS graduates actually land—whether they're transferring to complete bachelor's degrees at Utah or Utah State, or entering the workforce directly. If most transfer successfully and this functions as an affordable on-ramp to a four-year degree, the economics could work. But if students are stopping at the associate's level expecting to tap into Utah's $79K tech market, that disconnect needs explaining.
Where Snow College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Utah
Computer Science associates's programs at peer institutions in Utah (4 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,564 | $39,118* | — | $12,458* | — | |
| $6,391 | $79,044* | $83,812 | $15,254* | 0.19 | |
| National Median | — | $39,118* | — | $12,458* | 0.32 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
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 Snow College, approximately 21% 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 national median of 6 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.