Data Processing (Associate's Degree) at Midlands Technical College

Median Earnings (1yr)

$40,012

95th percentile

60th percentile in South Carolina

Median Debt

$14,013

15% below national median

Analysis

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.

Where Midlands Technical College Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Midlands 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
Midlands Technical College	$40,012	$43,832	+10%
Greenville Technical College	$39,062	$51,290	+31%
York Technical College	$25,617	$50,556	+97%
Spartanburg Community College	$39,702	$44,889	+13%
Horry-Georgetown Technical College	$38,825	$43,340	+12%

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
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
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 Midlands 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 24 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.