Median Earnings (1yr)
$50,872
36th percentile (40th in NC)
Median Debt
$14,486
24% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.28
Manageable
Sample Size
70
Adequate data

Analysis

Graduates from Fayetteville Technical Community College's allied health program face an unusual earnings trajectory: first-year salaries of $50,872 drop to $45,545 by year four—a 10% decline that warrants careful consideration. While the low debt load of $14,486 keeps this program financially accessible, those starting earnings sit below both the North Carolina median ($51,990) and national average ($54,327), ranking in just the 40th percentile statewide. Several North Carolina community colleges produce graduates earning $10,000+ more annually, including Central Piedmont and Edgecombe.

The earnings decline is the critical issue here. In most healthcare fields, salaries rise as professionals gain experience and credentials. This backward pattern could signal several things: graduates may be starting in temporary or contract positions, working reduced hours after the first year, or the program may feed into specialties with limited advancement. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) adds some uncertainty, but the pattern is clear enough to investigate further.

For families prioritizing minimal debt, the sub-$15,000 price tag makes this manageable even if earnings disappoint. However, if your child can access similar programs at Central Piedmont or other top-performing NC schools, those investments would likely pay better returns. Before committing, contact the program directly about graduate job placement specifics and why experienced alumni earn less than recent graduates.

Where Fayetteville Technical Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions associates's programs nationally

Fayetteville Technical Community CollegeOther allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions programs

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 Fayetteville Technical Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Fayetteville Technical Community College graduates earn $51k, placing them in the 36th percentile of all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions associates programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (47 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Fayetteville Technical Community College$50,872$45,545$14,4860.28
Central Piedmont Community College$61,455$55,776$16,4220.27
Edgecombe Community College$60,003$50,720$16,6900.28
Pitt Community College$57,572$55,185$11,8460.21
Rockingham Community College$55,849$38,512
Forsyth Technical Community College$54,726$53,919$13,5880.25
National Median$54,327$19,1130.35

Other Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Programs in North Carolina

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Carolina schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte
$2,792$61,455$16,422
Edgecombe Community College
Tarboro
$2,640$60,003$16,690
Pitt Community College
Winterville
$1,972$57,572$11,846
Rockingham Community College
Wentworth
$1,966$55,849
Forsyth Technical Community College
Winston-Salem
$2,256$54,726$13,588

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 Fayetteville Technical Community College, approximately 34% 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 70 graduates with reported earnings and 70 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.