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

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$38,944

Est. from SC median (6 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$15,813

Est. from SC median (4 programs)

Analysis

Similar Data Processing programs across South Carolina typically produce first-year earnings around $39,000, which would make this program's estimated debt load of $15,800 manageable—at least initially. The concerning part isn't the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41, which is reasonable. It's that graduates actually earn **less** four years out ($32,489) than they do in their first year. This backward trajectory is unusual for a technical credential and suggests either limited career advancement or difficulty maintaining stable employment in the field.

Looking at peer programs in South Carolina, Piedmont's estimated outcomes fall in the middle of the pack. Schools like Midlands Tech and Spartanburg Community College report slightly higher first-year earnings for their Data Processing graduates, but the differences are modest—maybe $1,000 annually. What you can't see from estimates is whether those programs also experience the same earnings decline over time, which would tell you if this is a broader field issue in South Carolina or something specific to how this program prepares students.

For a family where 48% of students need Pell grants, borrowing $16,000 for a credential that may not provide wage growth is a gamble. If your child is considering this route, they should talk directly to Piedmont's career services about job placement rates and whether graduates are finding roles that offer advancement beyond entry-level data entry positions.

Where Piedmont Technical College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all data processing associates's 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	—	$32,489	—
Greenville Technical College	$39,062	$51,290	+31%
York Technical College	$25,617	$50,556	+97%
Spartanburg Community College	$39,702	$44,889	+13%
Midlands Technical College	$40,012	$43,832	+10%

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
Piedmont Technical CollegeGreenwood	$4,775	$38,944*	$32,489	$15,813*	—
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	—*	—
National Median	—	$38,559*	—	$16,500*	0.43

* Estimated from similar programs

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 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in SC. Actual outcomes may vary.