Computer and Information Sciences at Sullivan University

At $18,391 in estimated debt for an associate's degree—based on similar private institutions nationally—Sullivan's program sits about $3,000 above what comparable tech programs typically carry in Kentucky. That gap matters when similar programs across the state's community college system appear to deliver comparable or better outcomes. Gateway Community and Technical College graduates, for instance, earn $49,753 in their first year, while Jefferson's Computer Science graduates start at $39,235. With estimated first-year earnings of $38,097, Sullivan aligns with Kentucky's median but comes with notably higher debt from a private institution structure.

The 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming on its face—it suggests manageable payments relative to income. But the private school premium here buys uncertain advantages. Kentucky's community colleges dominate this field locally, offering established employer pipelines and lower costs. For a two-year credential in a field where certifications and skills often matter more than institutional prestige, paying 20% more in debt than state peers without clear earnings advantages is a questionable trade-off. If your child is committed to Sullivan's campus or specific support services, this program won't create financial catastrophe. But the state's public alternatives deserve serious consideration first.