Computer and Information Sciences at Piedmont Virginia Community College

Based on comparable associate's programs in Virginia, computer science students typically start near $41,000—positioning them above the national median of $36,000 for these credentials. The estimated debt load of around $10,500 creates a manageable 0.26 ratio to first-year earnings, meaning graduates would dedicate roughly three months of gross income to repayment. Community college IT programs in Virginia have consistently delivered solid entry points into tech careers without the debt burden of four-year institutions.

The challenge is that these figures come from just three similar programs statewide, which means there's less certainty about what Piedmont Virginia specifically delivers. Virginia's tech market varies dramatically by region—Northern Virginia's proximity to federal contractors and tech hubs creates different opportunities than central Virginia. While other Virginia community colleges report first-year earnings ranging from $40,000 to $45,000, your student's actual outcome will depend heavily on whether they're willing to relocate and what specific skills they develop during the program.

For families concerned about cost, the estimated debt figure sits well below the national median of $15,000 for similar programs, and the earnings potential suggests reasonable payback. But before committing, connect with Piedmont Virginia's career services to understand where recent graduates actually land jobs and whether those opportunities align with staying in the Charlottesville area or require moving to Richmond or Northern Virginia.