Information Science/Studies at SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill

Information Science associate's programs in New York show considerable variation, with earnings ranging from around $31,000 to $39,000 in the first year. Based on comparable programs nationally, graduates of this Cobleskill program can expect to earn approximately $38,906—matching the national median and outpacing New York's state median of $35,124 by roughly $3,800. That's a meaningful difference when you're starting out, though it's important to note these figures come from peer programs rather than tracked outcomes of Cobleskill graduates specifically.

The estimated debt load of $13,125 produces a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34, meaning graduates would owe roughly four months' salary. This aligns closely with what students typically borrow for similar programs nationwide. For a two-year technical degree that can lead to IT support, database administration, or systems analysis roles, this represents a relatively low-risk investment—assuming the earnings estimates hold true for this particular school.

The challenge here is uncertainty. With 43% of students receiving Pell grants, many families are making this decision with limited financial cushion. While the numbers from peer programs suggest a solid return, you're essentially betting that Cobleskill's outcomes mirror the national average rather than falling closer to New York's lower state median. If your child is confident about entering the IT field and you can afford the debt even if earnings disappoint, the fundamentals look reasonable. But recognize you're working with educated guesswork, not a proven track record for this specific program.