Data Processing at Midlands Technical College

Midlands Technical College's Data Processing program outperforms 95% of similar programs nationwide—an impressive benchmark that suggests strong employer connections or curriculum relevance. Graduates start at $40,012 and see earnings climb to $43,832 within four years, representing solid growth for a two-year degree. The $14,013 median debt translates to just 35% of first-year earnings, making this one of the more manageable debt loads you'll find in technical education.

However, the sample size here is small (under 30 graduates), which means a few outlier success stories could be skewing these numbers upward. It's also worth noting that while this program dominates nationally, it sits at the 60th percentile among South Carolina's 15 Data Processing programs—above average, but not the standout performer in-state. Spartanburg Community College graduates earn slightly less initially ($39,702) but may offer more consistent outcomes given their larger cohorts.

For families looking at affordable tech credentials, this program delivers strong value on paper: graduates earn above-average wages with below-average debt. Just recognize that the small graduating class means these results might not be as reliable as programs with larger track records. If your student is committed to staying in South Carolina and can visit campus to gauge program quality firsthand, the debt-to-earnings math makes this worth serious consideration.