Computer and Information Sciences at Mitchell Community College

Similar tech programs across North Carolina suggest Mitchell Community College graduates might earn around $41,000 in their first year—a figure that sits right at the state median but trails nearby Wake Tech ($48,280) and Durham Tech ($45,847). With estimated debt of $15,337, you're looking at a manageable debt load equivalent to less than five months of earnings, which compares favorably to many career-focused associate degrees.

The challenge here is uncertainty. Mitchell's small graduate cohort means the Department of Education suppresses actual outcomes, so these estimates come from seven peer programs statewide. What we know for certain: computer science associate degrees generally produce solid returns nationally (the median of $35,760 shows this is above-average territory), and North Carolina's tech job market supports these credentials. The relatively low Pell grant percentage (21%) suggests Mitchell may serve a more traditional student population, though that tells us nothing about program quality or job placement rates.

For a parent weighing this decision, the estimated numbers point to reasonable value if your child is genuinely committed to tech work. The debt burden won't be crushing, and even the conservative state median represents livable wages in North Carolina. However, you'd want to directly ask Mitchell about their actual placement rates and alumni outcomes—information the school itself should track even if federal privacy rules prevent publication.