Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Guilford Technical Community College
Associate's Degree
gtcc.eduAnalysis
In North Carolina, IT administration programs at the associate level typically produce first-year earnings around $48,000, which makes this program's estimated $41,752 starting salary—drawn from national peer programs—worth examining carefully. While comparable programs nationally suggest manageable debt of $17,500 (lower than the national median of $21,480), the earnings gap between this estimate and what other North Carolina graduates actually report is significant. Strayer's NC graduates earn over $60,000 in their first year, and even accounting for potential differences in program structure or student demographics, that's a substantial spread.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 looks reasonable on paper, particularly for a field with generally strong employment demand. But here's the practical question: if peer programs in your own state are producing outcomes 15% higher than the national estimate this program is benchmarked against, what's driving that difference? It could be curriculum focus, employer connections, or simply variation in local IT labor markets across the state. With 41% of students receiving Pell grants, Guilford Tech serves a population that particularly needs the higher end of that earnings range.
Given the data limitations, the smart move is comparing this program directly against reported outcomes from other NC community colleges offering IT credentials. The estimates suggest viability, but actual outcomes at peer institutions in your state show there's meaningful variation in how well these programs launch graduates into the field.
Where Guilford Technical Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer/information technology administration and management associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management associates's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (20 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,319 | $41,752* | — | $17,500* | — | |
| $13,920 | $61,810* | $57,214 | $28,174* | 0.46 | |
| — | $34,521* | $42,302 | $25,849* | 0.75 | |
| National Median | — | $41,752* | — | $21,480* | 0.51 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer/information technology administration and management graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Administrators
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Project Management Specialists
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Web Developers
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
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 Guilford Technical Community College, approximately 41% 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 national median of 99 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.