Computer and Information Sciences at Bladen Community College

A 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests this certificate could be manageable, though comparable computer science programs in North Carolina show a wide range of outcomes—from Wake Tech graduates earning over $55,000 to programs closer to $35,000. Based on similar programs statewide, Bladen's students might expect around $36,200 in first-year earnings against roughly $12,600 in debt. That's slightly below the national median for these certificates but typical for North Carolina community colleges. With two-thirds of students receiving Pell grants, the relatively modest debt load matters—this is a population for whom even moderate borrowing can create strain.

The challenge is the uncertainty. When schools have too few graduates to report data, it often signals a small or inconsistent program, which can mean fewer local employer connections or less institutional support. The top-performing NC programs produce earnings 50% higher than the state median, suggesting that location, curriculum focus, and employer partnerships drive significant variation. Without knowing where Bladen falls in that spectrum, you're essentially betting that their outcomes mirror the state average rather than lagging it. For a family already stretched financially, that's a meaningful risk when peer institutions like Wake Tech have proven track records with substantially better returns.