Analysis
A certificate in computer sciences from Weatherford College appears to lag behind Texas norms, where similar programs typically produce first-year earnings around $45,000βroughly $6,000 more than the $38,858 national benchmark this program tracks with. That gap matters when even stronger Texas programs, like Southern Careers Institute's $52,000 median, demonstrate what's achievable in this field within the state. At an estimated debt load of $12,448, the 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio stays manageable by national standards, but you're borrowing for outcomes that comparable Texas programs seem to exceed.
What's puzzling here is the performance gap relative to other in-state options. Computer and information sciences certificates generally provide solid workforce entry points, and Texas's robust tech sector should favor these credentials. Yet peer programs in the state suggest graduates typically earn 16% more in their first year. Whether that reflects differences in curriculum focus, local employer connections, or the specific certifications earned isn't clear from the dataβbut it's a question worth asking directly.
The modest debt burden keeps this from being a concerning financial picture, but the below-state earnings suggest you're not maximizing the Texas advantage in tech hiring. Before committing, compare this program's specific curriculum and certifications against what higher-earning Texas programs offer, and verify what local employers actually hire for in the Weatherford area.
Where Weatherford College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Computer and Information Sciences certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (35 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,560 | $38,858* | β | $12,448* | β | |
| β | $52,079* | β | $10,076* | 0.19 | |
| $1,728 | $37,808* | $54,063 | $12,270* | 0.32 | |
| National Median | β | $38,858* | β | $11,000* | 0.28 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer and information sciences graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Administrators
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
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 Weatherford College, approximately 19% 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 29 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.