Computer and Information Sciences at Valencia College

Valencia College's associate degree in Computer and Information Sciences starts graduates at $31,754—below both the national median ($35,760) and Florida's median ($33,899) for this program. However, the debt picture tells a more encouraging story: at $14,125, students here graduate owing $4,266 less than the Florida median and with one of the better debt loads among the state's 41 programs offering this degree. The earnings growth trajectory is solid, with a 23% increase to nearly $39,000 by year four, suggesting graduates gain marketable skills even if their starting point is modest.

The real question is opportunity cost. While Valencia keeps debt manageable and serves a substantial population of Pell recipients (39%), the bottom-line earnings lag behind what students could earn at several Florida competitors. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 means graduates owe about five months of income—reasonable by most standards, but you're paying for credentials that place you in the 40th percentile within Florida's tech training landscape.

For students prioritizing affordability and steady growth over immediate earning power, this program works. But if your child needs to maximize their starting salary in tech, they should explore how the higher-performing Florida programs differ—whether through stronger industry partnerships, more specialized coursework, or better placement services—before committing.