Analysis
Computer science associate's degrees in North Carolina typically produce first-year earnings around $41,000, and that's where Pitt Community College's program appears to land based on peer programs in the state. With an estimated debt load of $15,337, you're looking at a manageable ratio where graduates would owe roughly 38% of their first-year salaryβbetter than many bachelor's degree programs. The four-year earnings figure of $40,030 suggests relatively stable income in technical or entry-level IT roles rather than dramatic salary growth.
The challenge here is context: top community college tech programs in North Carolina like Wake Tech and Durham Tech are producing graduates earning $45,000 to $48,000 right out of the gate, suggesting that school choice and regional job markets matter significantly in this field. Pitt's location in Winterville, a smaller market outside Greenville, may explain why outcomes track closer to the state median rather than exceeding it. For a student planning to stay local, that's relevant information about the job landscape they'll enter.
The debt-to-earnings picture looks reasonable on paper, but the lack of actual outcome data for Pitt's program means you're essentially betting on averages. If your student has flexibility in where they attend, stronger-performing programs are within reach at other NC community colleges. If staying near Winterville is the priority, this appears to be a functional path into IT work without crushing debt.
Where Pitt Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences associates's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pitt Community College | β | $40,030 | β |
| Salt Lake Community College | $55,961 | $75,016 | +34% |
| Northern Virginia Community College | $39,679 | $65,485 | +65% |
| Central Piedmont Community College | $40,854 | $48,486 | +19% |
| Guilford Technical Community College | $37,728 | $33,792 | -10% |
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Computer and Information Sciences associates's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (58 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,972 | $40,854* | $40,030 | $15,337* | β | |
| $2,336 | $48,280* | β | $17,698* | 0.37 | |
| $1,986 | $45,847* | β | $9,667* | 0.21 | |
| $2,882 | $41,027* | β | β* | β | |
| $2,792 | $40,854* | $48,486 | $10,456* | 0.26 | |
| $2,256 | $38,837* | β | $16,616* | 0.43 | |
| National Median | β | $35,760* | β | $14,932* | 0.42 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer and information sciences graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Administrators
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
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.
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 7 similar programs in NC. Actual outcomes may vary.