Computer and Information Sciences at Patrick & Henry Community College

Patrick & Henry Community College's computer science associate program falls right in the middle of Virginia's community college pack, with similar programs across the state suggesting first-year earnings around $41,000. That figure sits above the national median by roughly $5,000, reflecting Virginia's stronger tech job market—though it's worth noting that Northern Virginia's sprawling tech corridor lifts those state averages considerably, and Martinsville sits several hours south of that economic center.

The estimated debt load of roughly $10,500 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26, meaning graduates would likely owe about a quarter of their first-year salary. That's considerably better than the national median debt of nearly $15,000 for this credential, suggesting either lower tuition or stronger financial aid. With 46% of students receiving Pell grants, the college clearly serves a population where keeping debt low matters significantly.

The practical question is whether an associate degree provides enough technical depth for the jobs available in Martinsville's economy versus requiring eventual transfer to a four-year program. If your student plans to work locally, research what tech employers actually exist in the area and what credentials they're seeking. If the plan involves moving toward Virginia's tech hubs after graduation, these estimated outcomes look reasonable—but that geographic arbitrage is doing real work in making the numbers pencil out.