Data Processing (Associate's Degree) at Florence-Darlington Technical College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$38,944

Est. from SC median (6 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$15,813

Est. from SC median (4 programs)

Analysis

Based on similar data processing programs across South Carolina, Florence-Darlington's associate degree appears positioned right at the state median for both outcomes and costs. Comparable programs in the state suggest first-year earnings around $39,000 with typical debt near $16,000—translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 that falls well within manageable territory. The national picture closely mirrors South Carolina's, with median earnings of $38,559, indicating that data processing credentials hold fairly consistent value regardless of location.

What's encouraging is that peer programs statewide show relatively tight clustering in outcomes. The gap between top performers like Midlands Tech ($40,012) and Florence-Darlington's estimated range ($38,944) amounts to just over $1,000—hardly a make-or-break difference when you're looking at a two-year investment. For a program serving a student body where 45% receive Pell grants, this suggests accessibility without sacrificing earning potential.

The practical reality: if your child completes this program with debt close to the state average, they'd be looking at loan payments representing roughly 11-12% of their first-year income—a reasonable burden for an associate degree that gets graduates earning near $39,000 immediately. The tight outcome ranges across South Carolina programs suggest this field offers reliable mid-level entry points into IT work, making Florence-Darlington a viable choice for students prioritizing proximity and affordability over chasing marginal earnings differences elsewhere in the state.

Where Florence-Darlington Technical College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all data processing associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina

Data Processing associates's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (15 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Florence-Darlington Technical CollegeFlorence	$4,636	$38,944*	—	$15,813*	—
Midlands Technical CollegeWest Columbia	$4,788	$40,012*	$43,832	$14,013*	0.35
Spartanburg Community CollegeSpartanburg	$5,046	$39,702*	$44,889	—*	—
Greenville Technical CollegeGreenville	$5,639	$39,062*	$51,290	$21,083*	0.54
Horry-Georgetown Technical CollegeConway	$4,468	$38,825*	$43,340	$16,500*	0.42
Tri-County Technical CollegePendleton	$4,448	$34,725*	$41,037	—*	—
National Median	—	$38,559*	—	$16,500*	0.43

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with data processing graduates

Computer Occupations, All Other

All computer occupations not listed separately.

Web Administrators

Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications.

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.

Document Management Specialists

Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents.

Penetration Testers

Evaluate network system security by conducting simulated internal and external cyberattacks using adversary tools and techniques. Attempt to breach and exploit critical systems and gain access to sensitive information to assess system security.

Information Security Engineers

Develop and oversee the implementation of information security procedures and policies. Build, maintain and upgrade security technology, such as firewalls, for the safe use of computer networks and the transmission and retrieval of information. Design and implement appropriate security controls to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital files and electronic infrastructures. Monitor and respond to computer security breaches, viruses, and intrusions, and perform forensic investigation. May oversee the assessment of information security systems.

Digital Forensics Analysts

Conduct investigations on computer-based crimes establishing documentary or physical evidence, such as digital media and logs associated with cyber intrusion incidents. Analyze digital evidence and investigate computer security incidents to derive information in support of system and network vulnerability mitigation. Preserve and present computer-related evidence in support of criminal, fraud, counterintelligence, or law enforcement investigations.

Blockchain Engineers

Maintain and support distributed and decentralized blockchain-based networks or block-chain applications such as cryptocurrency exchange, payment processing, document sharing, and digital voting. Design and deploy secure block-chain design patterns and solutions over geographically distributed networks using advanced technologies. May assist with infrastructure setup and testing for application transparency and security.

Computer Systems Engineers/Architects

Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.

Information Technology Project Managers

Plan, initiate, and manage information technology (IT) projects. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. Serve as liaison between business and technical aspects of projects. Plan project stages and assess business implications for each stage. Monitor progress to assure deadlines, standards, and cost targets are met.

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 Florence-Darlington Technical College, approximately 45% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in SC. Actual outcomes may vary.