Computer and Information Sciences at Somerset Community College

Somerset Community College's computer science certificate comes with encouragingly low debt—just $9,000, less than most competitors—but graduates earn notably less than peers at other Kentucky community colleges. At $34,992, first-year earnings trail the state median by nearly $1,400 and fall short of top-performing programs like Gateway ($45,428) and Jefferson ($41,543) by significant margins. Among Kentucky's 17 schools offering this certificate, Somerset ranks at the 40th percentile, meaning most alternatives deliver better outcomes.

The positive story here is the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26, which suggests manageable repayment even with below-average earnings. With 43% of students receiving Pell grants, Somerset serves a population where minimizing debt matters enormously. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift considerably year to year, and the earnings gap compared to peer institutions raises questions about curriculum focus, employer connections, or regional job markets.

If your student is committed to staying in the Somerset area and needs an affordable entry point into tech, this program limits financial risk. But families should seriously explore whether programs at Gateway or Jefferson—even if they require relocation—might be worth the modest additional debt given the $10,000+ earnings advantage. In a field where certifications and skills matter intensely, starting salary differences this large can compound over time.