Data Processing (Associate's Degree) at Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Median Earnings (1yr)

$38,825

65th percentile

40th percentile in South Carolina

Median Debt

$16,500

At national median

Analysis

Horry-Georgetown Technical College's Data Processing program delivers results that tell two different stories depending on your frame of reference. While graduates earn more than the national average—landing in the 65th percentile among similar programs—they rank in the bottom half of South Carolina programs at the 40th percentile. For parents comparing in-state options, this matters: Midlands Technical, Spartanburg Community, and Greenville Technical all report first-year earnings roughly $1,000-$1,200 higher.

The financial fundamentals work reasonably well here. At $16,500 in debt and first-year earnings of $38,825, graduates face manageable debt levels—about 5 months of their annual income. The 12% earnings growth to $43,340 by year four suggests decent career momentum, though four South Carolina schools do place their graduates at higher starting salaries.

For families in the Conway area prioritizing convenience and in-state tuition, this program offers a functional path into data processing without overwhelming debt. But if your student can commute to one of the higher-performing technical colleges like Midlands or Spartanburg, those extra $1,000-$1,500 in starting salary could mean $4,000-$6,000 more over four years—worth considering before committing.

Where Horry-Georgetown Technical College Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Horry-Georgetown Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Horry-Georgetown Technical College	$38,825	$43,340	+12%
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%

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
Horry-Georgetown Technical CollegeConway	$4,468	$38,825	$43,340	$16,500	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
Tri-County Technical CollegePendleton	$4,448	$34,725	$41,037	—	—
York Technical CollegeRock Hill	$5,512	$25,617	$50,556	$15,125	0.59
National Median	—	$38,559	—	$16,500	0.43

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 Horry-Georgetown Technical College, approximately 39% 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 32 graduates with reported earnings and 35 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.