Computer and Information Sciences at Southern Careers Institute-Austin

Southern Careers Institute's computer science certificate punches well above its weight class, with graduates earning $52,079 their first year out—about $7,000 more than the typical Texas program and ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. More impressive, it beats the national median by over $13,000, landing in the 88th percentile among similar programs nationwide. For a short-term certificate at a career-focused institute, these are strong outcomes that suggest solid industry connections and practical training.

The debt load of around $10,000 is manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.19—meaning graduates earn about five times what they borrowed in their first year alone. With nearly two-thirds of students receiving Pell grants, the program appears to serve working-class students effectively. However, the sample size here is small (under 30 graduates), so individual outcomes could vary more than these medians suggest.

For parents considering this path, it's a relatively low-risk bet: quick turnaround, modest debt, and earnings that immediately justify the investment. The certificate gets students into the workforce fast, though it's worth considering whether your child might eventually want to return for a full degree to increase long-term earning potential.