Data Processing (Associate's Degree) at Highland Community College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$38,559

Est. from national median (14 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$15,813

Est. from national median (12 programs)

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 suggests manageable student loans for an associate degree, but there's real uncertainty here. With Highland Community College serving a small cohort of data processing students, the Department of Education suppresses their actual outcomes—meaning these figures come from the national median of similar two-year programs rather than tracking what Highland graduates specifically achieve.

Nationally, data processing associate programs cluster tightly around $38,500-$39,000 in first-year earnings, and the estimated $15,800 in debt falls slightly below the national median of $16,500. That consistency across programs offers some reassurance that outcomes don't vary wildly for this credential. The real question is whether Kansas's job market—particularly in Highland's rural northeast corner—supports the same opportunities found in metro areas where most data processing graduates land roles. With only three Kansas schools offering this program and none publishing data, you're essentially betting on whether local or regional employers will hire at rates comparable to national patterns.

The math works if your student finds employment quickly in their field: less than $16,000 in debt against nearly $39,000 in earnings leaves reasonable breathing room. But that "if" matters more than usual when you can't see Highland's specific placement record. Before committing, contact the program directly about job placement rates and where recent graduates actually work—whether they're staying in Kansas or relocating to find opportunities that match these projected earnings.

Where Highland Community College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Data Processing associates's programs at top institutions nationally

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Highland Community CollegeHighland	$4,116	$38,559*	—	$15,813*	—
American Public University SystemCharles Town	$8,400	$44,801*	$44,359	$19,000*	0.42
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
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 Highland Community College, approximately 17% 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 14 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.