Analysis
North Carolina's thin marketplace for associate-level HR programs makes this difficult to evaluate with confidence, but the estimated debt picture here—$16,261 versus a $26,536 national median—suggests Pitt Community College may offer a more affordable path than many alternatives. That debt load translates to monthly payments around $180 on a standard plan, manageable against the $40,006 first-year earnings estimate derived from national peer programs. The 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio falls comfortably below the concerning 1.0 threshold that typically signals financial strain.
The reality is that HR positions at the associate level often compete with bachelor's holders for the same roles, so breaking into the field may require starting in administrative support or benefits coordination before moving up. Whether this investment pays off depends largely on local labor market conditions in eastern North Carolina and your child's ability to leverage the degree into entry-level HR work quickly. With 38% of Pitt students receiving Pell grants, the college serves a population where keeping debt low matters enormously.
The lack of reported data from Pitt's actual graduates means you're navigating with limited visibility. If your child is committed to HR and wants to stay local while keeping costs down, this looks defensible—but only if they understand they may need additional credentials or experience to advance beyond administrative roles.
Where Pitt Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human resources management and services associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Human Resources Management and Services associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,972 | $40,006* | — | $16,261* | — | |
| — | $46,445* | — | $20,000* | 0.43 | |
| $15,117 | $45,969* | $49,585 | $26,536* | 0.58 | |
| $12,715 | $45,969* | $49,585 | $26,536* | 0.58 | |
| $10,899 | $45,969* | $49,585 | $26,536* | 0.58 | |
| $13,546 | $45,969* | $49,585 | $26,536* | 0.58 | |
| National Median | — | $40,006* | — | $26,536* | 0.66 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with human resources management and services graduates
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Training and Development Managers
Labor Relations Specialists
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Law Teachers, Postsecondary
Compliance Officers
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Coroners
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
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 national median of 23 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.