Computer and Information Sciences at Weber State University

Utah's technology sector sets a high bar—Salt Lake Community College's computer science associate graduates earn $55,961 their first year—making Weber State's estimated $35,761 particularly striking. Based on comparable programs nationally, this figure sits at the national median but falls $20,000 short of what similar programs achieve elsewhere in the state. For a two-year degree, the estimated debt load of $12,500 remains manageable with a 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio, but the earning potential appears constrained compared to local alternatives.

The concern isn't whether tech jobs exist in Utah—they do, and they pay well. The question is whether this specific program connects graduates to them effectively. National peer programs produce these lower earnings, but when other Utah schools demonstrate that double the starting salary is achievable with the same credential, parents should understand they may be accepting a significant opportunity cost. That $20,000 annual difference compounds quickly over a career.

Before committing, contact Weber State's career services to understand actual placement outcomes for their computer science graduates—which employers hire them and at what salaries. Since these figures come from national estimates rather than this program's track record, talking directly to recent alumni or advisors about real job outcomes becomes essential for understanding whether this program delivers Utah-level results or settles for national-average performance in a significantly above-average market.