Business Administration, Management and Operations at Pitt Community College

Pitt Community College's business associate's degree sits right in the middle of the pack—earnings nearly match the state median, but debt runs significantly higher than what most similar programs charge. At $35,156 starting out and $37,489 four years later, graduates earn about what they'd expect statewide, landing at the 40th percentile among North Carolina business programs. The concerning part? That $21,463 in debt is 54% above the national median for this degree. Several nearby community colleges—Catawba Valley, Davidson-Davie, Forsyth Tech—deliver $4,000 to $6,000 more in starting earnings, presumably at similar or lower cost given North Carolina's community college tuition structure.

The 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't catastrophic, and the modest earnings growth to $37,489 suggests graduates find steady footing in the workforce. But when a quarter of similar programs nationwide manage to graduate students with less debt, and top North Carolina programs are delivering notably stronger outcomes, this becomes a harder sell. For families prioritizing affordability—particularly important given that 38% of students here receive Pell grants—the debt load relative to earning potential means graduates will likely face a tougher repayment path than peers at higher-performing in-state alternatives. If Pitt is your local option, it works. If you're willing to commute or relocate within North Carolina, several community colleges offer clearer value.