Computer and Information Sciences at Durham Technical Community College

Durham Tech's Computer and Information Sciences associate's delivers strong first-year earnings at $45,847—about $10,000 above the national median and $5,000 above North Carolina's typical program. That's competitive with other respected NC community colleges, though Wake Tech edges ahead by a few thousand dollars. The real standout is the debt: graduates leave with just $9,667, roughly $5,000 less than both state and national medians. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their entire debt with about two-and-a-half months of income.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift year to year, but the pattern is clear enough: Durham Tech gets students into IT roles quickly without excessive borrowing. For a two-year degree in a field with strong North Carolina job markets, this represents solid practical training at community college prices.

If your child is considering IT but wants to avoid the cost and time commitment of a four-year degree, this program offers a viable pathway. The combination of above-average starting salaries and minimal debt makes it easier to continue education later or simply start working with financial breathing room.