Computer and Information Sciences at Guilford Technical Community College

Guilford Tech's computer science graduates start with decent first-year earnings of $37,728—above the national median—but then see their income drop 10% by year four. That backward trajectory is unusual in a field where tech workers typically see steady wage growth, and it positions this program below most North Carolina competitors. Among 58 NC schools offering this degree, Guilford Tech lands at just the 40th percentile, while nearby Durham Tech and Wake Tech graduates earn $8,000-$10,000 more annually.

The debt picture offers some consolation: at $22,713, graduates carry more than typical NC community college students but still maintain a manageable 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's substantially below what many four-year programs demand. However, the earnings decline means that initial debt burden becomes harder to manage over time rather than easier, as students might reasonably expect in technology careers.

For families considering this program, the question is whether the lower debt justifies significantly trailing peer institutions in the region. If your student can access Wake Tech, Durham Tech, or even Forsyth Tech—all within reasonable driving distance—those programs deliver 15-30% higher earnings with similar debt loads. Guilford Tech might work for students with geographic constraints, but it's not the strongest tech investment in the Research Triangle area.