Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services at Southeast Technical College

Southeast Technical College's computer science certificate produces graduates who significantly outperform their national peers, earning $48,494 in their first year compared to a national median of just $35,529. That's a 36% premium over what similar programs typically deliver, placing graduates in the 95th percentile nationally. The debt burden of $15,095 is reasonable at 0.31 times first-year earnings—graduates can realistically pay this off within a few years while building their careers. Strong earnings growth of 17% by year four suggests these graduates are developing marketable skills that employers value.

The 60th percentile ranking within South Dakota is somewhat misleading since this appears to be the only school in the state offering this specific certificate. For students who want tech credentials without committing to a four-year degree, this program offers a compelling path into the workforce at a manageable cost.

The main consideration here is program fit: certificate programs work best for students who either need to enter the workforce quickly or are adding credentials to existing skills. For families weighing this against a traditional computer science degree, the tradeoff is clear—lower debt and faster entry into work, but potentially less room for advancement into senior technical roles that typically require bachelor's degrees. If your student needs immediate income and has an aptitude for tech, this program delivers strong results relative to other certificate options nationwide.