Computer Programming at Valencia College

Valencia College's computer programming associate degree shows a rocky start but exceptional long-term trajectory—graduates earn just $36,601 initially (below both state and national medians), but four years out they're making $63,680. That 74% earnings growth is remarkable and suggests graduates are successfully transitioning into genuine tech careers rather than staying in entry-level support roles.

The debt picture is favorable: at $14,070, it's below both Florida's median ($18,262) and the national average ($17,108) for this degree. The small debt load makes that weak first-year salary less concerning—your child could reasonably manage those payments even during the initial lower-earning period. Being middle-of-the-pack within Florida (40th percentile) but launching into strong earnings growth is arguably better than starting higher but plateauing.

The caveat here matters: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so these numbers could shift significantly year to year. Still, the pattern makes intuitive sense—many associate degree grads need time to build experience and credentials before landing better-paying roles. If your child can manage on $37,000 while living at home or keeping expenses low, this program offers a genuine pathway into tech without the debt burden that comes with four-year degrees. Just ensure they're committed to pushing beyond that initial entry point.