Computer and Information Sciences at West Kentucky Community and Technical College

Graduates from this program start at $41,232—above both the Kentucky and national medians for associate's degrees in computing. That solid first-year figure, combined with estimated debt around $15,300 (based on other Kentucky community college programs), yields a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans with less than five months of their first year's salary.

The real strength here shows up in year four, when median earnings jump to $52,289—a 27% increase that suggests these graduates are gaining traction in Kentucky's tech job market. While West Kentucky's outcomes trail Gateway Community and Technical College's $49,753 starting salary, they're competitive with most other Kentucky community colleges offering this degree. The program performs particularly well against national benchmarks, landing in the 73rd percentile nationwide.

For families in western Kentucky considering an affordable path into IT work, these estimates suggest reasonable value. The debt burden is modest, the starting salary covers basic expenses, and the four-year trajectory points upward. Just keep in mind these figures reflect peer programs statewide rather than West Kentucky's specific track record—actual outcomes could vary based on local employer connections and program quality.