Analysis
An estimated debt load of $13,125 against first-year earnings around $39,000 suggests a manageable financial picture for Pitt Community College's Information Science associate degree. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34, peer programs nationally indicate graduates could clear this debt relatively quickly—though it's worth noting these figures come from similar programs across the country, not from Pitt's own graduates. The school serves a substantial number of Pell recipients (38%), which often signals a commitment to access, but without program-specific outcomes data, you're essentially betting on national trends holding true locally.
North Carolina has 25 community colleges offering information science programs, yet none report actual graduate outcomes publicly. This widespread data suppression makes it difficult to gauge whether Pitt's program performs above or below state norms. What you can infer from national benchmarks is that earnings in this field cluster fairly tightly—the 75th percentile nationally is only about $5,500 higher than the median—suggesting limited upside even from top-performing programs.
For a two-year degree, the estimated numbers point toward reasonable value if your child can complete on time and secure employment in the field. The real risk isn't the debt itself but whether this associate degree opens enough doors in North Carolina's job market to justify two years of education. Without school-specific data, you're banking on Pitt's local employer relationships and program quality matching national patterns.
Where Pitt Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all information science/studies associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Information Science/Studies 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 | $38,906* | — | $13,125* | — | |
| $4,912 | $54,649* | $48,269 | $13,475* | 0.25 | |
| $16,570 | $52,706* | — | $17,355* | 0.33 | |
| $3,736 | $45,238* | $54,104 | $17,629* | 0.39 | |
| $5,068 | $43,702* | — | $35,925* | 0.82 | |
| $11,711 | $39,046* | — | $19,110* | 0.49 | |
| National Median | — | $38,906* | — | $13,300* | 0.34 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with information science/studies graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Computer Occupations, All Other
Web Administrators
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
Document Management 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 11 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.