Information Science/Studies at Sullivan County Community College

Based on comparable information science programs nationally, Sullivan County Community College's associate degree appears positioned near the median, with estimated first-year earnings around $39,000 and debt of roughly $13,000. That translates to a debt burden of about four months of gross income—manageable if the earnings projection holds, though it's worth noting that similar programs across New York show considerable variation, with some graduates earning closer to $31,000.

The challenge here is uncertainty. With no reported outcomes from Sullivan's specific program, you're relying on national patterns rather than track record. The national benchmark suggests these programs generally produce modest but stable entry-level earnings in IT support, data analysis, or systems administration roles. However, New York's median for this credential sits about $4,000 lower than the national figure, which could reflect regional market differences or program quality variation. Hudson Valley Community College reports outcomes matching the national median, showing it's achievable within the state.

For a two-year credential, the estimated debt load isn't alarming, but the earnings potential isn't particularly strong either. Information science associate degrees typically serve as stepping stones—either into the workforce with plans to gain certifications and experience, or toward a bachelor's degree. If your child plans to stop at the associate level, confirm that Sullivan has strong employer connections in the region, because without verified outcomes data, those relationships become your best indicator of whether graduates actually land relevant jobs.