Median Earnings (1yr)
$35,485
35th percentile
60th percentile in North Carolina
Median Debt
$21,625
47% above national median

Analysis

Pitt Community College's business certificate produces outcomes that split the difference between state and national expectations in an interesting way. Graduates earn $35,485 their first year—outperforming 60% of North Carolina business certificate programs while falling short of the $39,085 national median. The debt picture is notably better than average, with graduates carrying $21,625 compared to the national median of around $14,700, but this still creates a 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio that's manageable for a certificate program.

The comparison within North Carolina matters most here, and Pitt performs respectably. While top programs like South Piedmont and Guilford Tech push graduates above $40,000, Pitt's $35,485 places it in the middle tier—roughly matching Fayetteville Tech and Wake Tech, both larger institutions. For a community college serving a substantial population of Pell-eligible students, these outcomes suggest the program reliably prepares graduates for entry-level business roles in eastern North Carolina's job market.

The debt load deserves consideration. At $21,625 for a certificate, graduates will need sustained employment to pay this down comfortably. However, the debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0 means most graduates should be able to manage payments without excessive strain. For families in Winterville looking at certificate options, this program offers middle-of-the-road value—not exceptional returns, but solid positioning for local business opportunities.

Where Pitt Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Pitt Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

Business Administration, Management and Operations certificate's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (61 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Pitt Community CollegeWinterville$1,972$35,485$21,6250.61
South Piedmont Community CollegePolkton$2,022$40,686
Guilford Technical Community CollegeJamestown$2,319$40,215$28,685$21,7190.54
Fayetteville Technical Community CollegeFayetteville$2,628$35,845$29,085$14,6990.41
Wake Technical Community CollegeRaleigh$2,336$35,574$38,072$19,0000.53
Davidson-Davie Community CollegeThomasville$1,978$33,263$27,2180.82
National Median$39,085$14,6990.38

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 Pitt Community College, approximately 38% 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 32 graduates with reported earnings and 67 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.