Analysis
Umpqua Community College's Computer Science associate program appears positioned near the national median for tech credentials at this level, with peer programs nationally suggesting first-year earnings around $39,000 and debt around $12,500. That 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning graduates might owe roughly four months' salary—looks manageable compared to many bachelor's programs, though it's worth noting these figures come from comparable programs nationwide since Umpqua's graduate cohort is too small for the Department of Education to report specific outcomes.
The real question is what an associate degree in computer science actually opens up in Oregon's job market. While some graduates use this as a stepping stone to a four-year degree, others aim for entry-level IT positions or technical support roles. The estimated $39,000 starting point could make sense for someone living in Roseburg with modest expenses, but it may feel tight for anyone hoping to relocate to Portland's higher-cost tech corridor. With 32% of Umpqua students receiving Pell grants, keeping debt under $13,000 matters enormously for families without financial cushion.
If your child plans to transfer to complete a bachelor's degree, this could be a cost-effective foundation. If they're hoping to enter the workforce directly after two years, have an honest conversation about local job availability and whether employers in their target area hire associate-level candidates for the roles they want.
Where Umpqua Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Computer Science associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,909 | $39,118* | — | $12,458* | — | |
| $6,391 | $79,044* | $83,812 | $15,254* | 0.19 | |
| $5,703 | $48,889* | $81,847 | $13,000* | 0.27 | |
| $8,280 | $47,904* | — | $22,519* | 0.47 | |
| $5,520 | $30,332* | — | $9,000* | 0.30 | |
| $5,218 | $24,888* | $46,054 | $8,750* | 0.35 | |
| National Median | — | $39,118* | — | $12,458* | 0.32 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Umpqua Community College, approximately 32% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 6 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.