Computer and Information Sciences at Youngstown State University

A debt load of $12,500—well below both the national and Ohio state medians for this field—positions Youngstown State's associate degree favorably from a financial risk standpoint. Based on comparable computer and information sciences programs nationally, first-year earnings around $36,000 translate to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35, meaning graduates would owe roughly a third of their starting salary. That's manageable territory, especially in a field where skills can compound quickly with experience.

The challenge here is that Ohio's median debt for similar programs runs substantially higher at $29,500, suggesting considerable variation in how schools structure these degrees. Youngstown State's estimated lower debt could reflect a more efficient pathway or stronger state support, but without program-specific data, it's impossible to confirm actual graduate outcomes. The estimated earnings align precisely with the national median, which is neither remarkable nor concerning—it's simply the baseline for associate-level tech credentials.

For an anxious parent, the question comes down to pathway: Is this degree a terminal credential or a stepping stone to a bachelor's? Two-year tech programs often serve students who either enter the workforce immediately in support roles or transfer to complete a four-year degree. Given the modest debt estimate, it's a relatively low-stakes way to test the waters in IT, but families should verify actual job placement rates and transfer success before assuming this estimated financial picture reflects their child's likely experience.