Location: Greenville, SC•In-State Tuition: $5,639•Out-of-State Tuition: $10,657
Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,062
76th percentile
60th percentile in South Carolina
Median Debt
$21,083
28% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.54 ManageableSample: 29 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Greenville Tech's Data Processing program shows promising earnings but comes with an important caveat: these numbers represent fewer than 30 graduates, making them less reliable than larger programs. That said, the trajectory looks solid—graduates start at $39,062 and reach $51,290 four years out, a 31% jump that outpaces many associate degree programs. Among South Carolina's 15 data processing programs, this lands near the middle of the pack (60th percentile), trailing leaders like Midlands Tech but well ahead of programs at York Tech.

The debt picture is unusually favorable. At $21,083, borrowers here owe significantly more than both the state median ($15,812) and national median ($16,500), yet the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 means most graduates could realistically pay this off within a year or two of focused repayment. The higher debt likely reflects Greenville's slightly longer program or different financial aid mix—one-third of students receive Pell grants—but the strong earnings make it manageable.

The small sample size means a few outlier graduates could swing these numbers considerably. If your child enrolls, they're betting on a pattern holding with limited data. For families comfortable with that uncertainty, this program delivers competitive tech earnings in a growing South Carolina market, with debt levels that won't derail early career progress.

Where Greenville Technical College Stands

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

Greenville Technical CollegeOther data processing programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Greenville Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Greenville Technical College earns $39k — 76th percentile among data processing associates programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Greenville Technical College$39,062$51,290+31%
York Technical College$25,617$50,556+97%
Spartanburg Community College$39,702$44,889+13%
Midlands Technical College$40,012$43,832+10%
Horry-Georgetown Technical College$38,825$43,340+12%

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Greenville Technical CollegeGreenville$5,639$39,062$51,290$21,0830.54
Midlands Technical CollegeWest Columbia$4,788$40,012$43,832$14,0130.35
Spartanburg Community CollegeSpartanburg$5,046$39,702$44,889——
Horry-Georgetown Technical CollegeConway$4,468$38,825$43,340$16,5000.42
Tri-County Technical CollegePendleton$4,448$34,725$41,037——
York Technical CollegeRock Hill$5,512$25,617$50,556$15,1250.59
National Median—$38,559—$16,5000.43

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 Greenville Technical College, approximately 33% 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 29 graduates with reported earnings and 31 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.