Computer and Information Sciences at Rockingham Community College

Similar associate-level IT programs in North Carolina suggest first-year earnings around $41,000—a solid starting point that places graduates right at the state median and notably above the national benchmark of $36,000. With estimated debt of $15,300, this produces a manageable 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly five months of their first-year salary. That's a reasonable burden for an entry-level tech position, particularly given that 44% of students here receive Pell grants, indicating this program serves many students who need affordable pathways into the field.

The challenge is that we're working with estimates here because Rockingham's graduate cohort is too small for the Department of Education to report actual outcomes. Looking at nearby programs with reported data—Wake Tech graduates earn $48,000, Durham Tech $46,000—suggests there's considerable variation in how well North Carolina community colleges position their IT graduates. Geography, curriculum focus, and employer connections all matter in tech hiring, and without specific data on Rockingham's outcomes, you're essentially betting on the state average.

For families prioritizing affordability and practical skills, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value—but understand you're making this decision with less certainty than you'd have at schools with reported outcomes. If your student has flexibility, visiting campus to ask about job placement rates and employer partnerships would help fill in what the data can't tell you.