Analysis
Piedmont Technical College's business associate degree comes with a debt load that's roughly double the national average for similar programs, though still manageable at 79% of first-year earnings. Students here borrow $26,547 compared to a national median of just $13,437—meaning this program's graduates carry twice the debt of their peers nationwide, even as they earn slightly less ($33,486 versus $36,591 nationally). Within South Carolina, the program tracks near the middle of the pack, landing at the 40th percentile for earnings among 16 business associate programs statewide.
The earnings trajectory shows modest but steady growth, with graduates earning $36,670 four years out—a 10% increase that at least moves in the right direction. For comparison, Horry-Georgetown Technical College's business grads earn similar amounts while Strayer's program posts significantly higher returns at $44,154. The high Pell Grant enrollment (48%) suggests this serves students with limited resources, making the debt burden particularly worth scrutiny.
For families weighing this option, the math is straightforward: you're looking at above-average debt for below-average earnings in a crowded field. Unless location or specific circumstances make Piedmont the clear choice, other South Carolina technical colleges offer similar programs with comparable outcomes—and in some cases, potentially lower debt loads worth investigating before committing.
Where Piedmont Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Piedmont 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piedmont Technical College | $33,486 | $36,670 | +10% |
| Thomas More University | $83,571 | $68,202 | -18% |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion | $49,463 | $54,966 | +11% |
| Strayer University-South Carolina | $44,154 | $47,516 | +8% |
| Horry-Georgetown Technical College | $36,679 | $26,486 | -28% |
Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina
Business/Commerce associates's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (16 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Piedmont Technical CollegeGreenwood | $4,775 | $33,486 | $36,670 | $26,547 | 0.79 |
 Strayer University-South CarolinaGreenville | $13,920 | $44,154 | $47,516 | $32,810 | 0.74 |
 Horry-Georgetown Technical CollegeConway | $4,468 | $36,679 | $26,486 | $26,100 | 0.71 |
 York Technical CollegeRock Hill | $5,512 | $33,870 | — | $11,000 | 0.32 |
| National Median | — | $36,591 | — | $13,437 | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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 Piedmont Technical College, approximately 48% 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 84 graduates with reported earnings and 98 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.