Computer and Information Sciences at Durham Technical Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Durham Technical Community College's computer science certificate punches well above its weight class. With first-year earnings of $46,966, graduates land in the 80th percentile among North Carolina tech programs—substantially ahead of the state median of $36,198 and outperforming most community college alternatives. The $10,208 in typical debt sits below both state and national averages, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.22, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans with about 2.5 months of earnings.
The caveat here is the small sample size (under 30 graduates), which makes these numbers less reliable than data from larger cohorts. That said, the fundamentals look solid: reasonable debt paired with earnings that trail only Wake Tech among comparable North Carolina programs. For a certificate that likely takes less than a year to complete, this represents a practical pathway into Durham's growing tech sector without the time and expense of a four-year degree.
This program appears to deliver exactly what a community college certificate should—quick workforce entry at minimal cost. Just verify current job placement rates and confirm the curriculum aligns with local employer needs, since tech skills can shift rapidly.
Where Durham Technical Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Durham Technical Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Durham Technical Community College graduates earn $47k, placing them in the 78th percentile of all computer and information sciences certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Computer and Information Sciences certificate's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (59 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durham Technical Community College | $46,966 | — | $10,208 | 0.22 |
| Wake Technical Community College | $55,264 | — | $14,778 | 0.27 |
| Guilford Technical Community College | $36,227 | $38,780 | $20,000 | 0.55 |
| Davidson-Davie Community College | $36,168 | — | $12,625 | 0.35 |
| Rowan-Cabarrus Community College | $34,853 | $41,322 | $8,609 | 0.25 |
| Fayetteville Technical Community College | $32,154 | $44,907 | $15,499 | 0.48 |
| National Median | $38,858 | — | $11,000 | 0.28 |
Other Computer and Information Sciences Programs in North Carolina
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Carolina schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wake Technical Community College Raleigh | $2,336 | $55,264 | $14,778 |
| Guilford Technical Community College Jamestown | $2,319 | $36,227 | $20,000 |
| Davidson-Davie Community College Thomasville | $1,978 | $36,168 | $12,625 |
| Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Salisbury | $2,064 | $34,853 | $8,609 |
| Fayetteville Technical Community College Fayetteville | $2,628 | $32,154 | $15,499 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Durham Technical Community College, approximately 31% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 22 graduates with reported earnings and 32 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.