Computer and Information Sciences at Southwest Texas College

Similar associate's programs in Texas suggest first-year earnings around $35,600—right in line with the national median for computer science degrees at this level. With estimated debt of $12,750, that puts Southwest Texas College's ratio at 0.36, meaning graduates would owe roughly a third of their starting salary. That's a manageable debt load, though it's worth noting that top-performing programs in the state like Austin Community College produce graduates earning nearly $50,000 in their first year.

The challenge is that this specific program lacks reported outcomes data, which means these estimates are drawn from peer programs across Texas rather than actual Southwest Texas College graduates. The real picture could be better or worse. What we do know is that computer science associate's degrees generally provide solid entry points into tech roles, especially in Texas's growing technology markets—though proximity to major tech hubs in Austin, Dallas, or Houston likely matters for initial job placement.

For families considering this program, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value, but the lack of actual data means you're making this decision somewhat blind. If your student has offers from programs with reported outcomes—particularly those showing earnings in the $40,000+ range—those represent less uncertainty. If Southwest Texas College is the most accessible or affordable option, the estimated debt-to-earnings picture isn't alarming, but plan for the possibility that actual outcomes could differ significantly from these projections.