Data Processing (Associate's Degree) at Savannah Technical College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$38,559

Est. from national median (14 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$15,813

Est. from national median (12 programs)

Analysis

Similar Data Processing associate's programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $38,500—a figure that, if accurate for Savannah Tech, would place this program significantly above Georgia's median of $24,000 for the same credential. That gap matters. Technical fields in smaller metros sometimes lag state averages, but this estimate aligns with national patterns rather than local realities, creating uncertainty about whether graduates actually achieve these earnings in the Savannah market.

The estimated $15,800 in debt produces a manageable 0.41 ratio against those projected earnings, and nearly half of students receive Pell grants, suggesting the program serves working families seeking technical skills. But here's the tension: if actual outcomes track closer to Georgia's $24,000 median—as seen at Athens Technical College—that same debt becomes considerably heavier, pushing the ratio above 0.65. The difference between a $38,000 job and a $24,000 job is the difference between comfortable loan repayment and financial strain.

For your child, this means doing granular research into where Savannah Tech's Data Processing graduates actually work and what they earn. Contact the program directly for placement data, talk to recent alumni, and check local job postings for data entry and database support roles. The national benchmarks suggest solid value, but without confirmed outcomes specific to this school, you're betting on an estimate that may not reflect Georgia's labor market reality.

Where Savannah Technical College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all data processing associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia

Data Processing associates's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (17 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Savannah Technical CollegeSavannah	$3,072	$38,559*	—	$15,813*	—
Athens Technical CollegeAthens	$3,172	$24,012*	—	—*	—
National Median	—	$38,559*	—	$16,500*	0.43

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with data processing graduates

Computer Occupations, All Other

All computer occupations not listed separately.

Web Administrators

Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications.

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.

Document Management Specialists

Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents.

Penetration Testers

Evaluate network system security by conducting simulated internal and external cyberattacks using adversary tools and techniques. Attempt to breach and exploit critical systems and gain access to sensitive information to assess system security.

Information Security Engineers

Develop and oversee the implementation of information security procedures and policies. Build, maintain and upgrade security technology, such as firewalls, for the safe use of computer networks and the transmission and retrieval of information. Design and implement appropriate security controls to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital files and electronic infrastructures. Monitor and respond to computer security breaches, viruses, and intrusions, and perform forensic investigation. May oversee the assessment of information security systems.

Digital Forensics Analysts

Conduct investigations on computer-based crimes establishing documentary or physical evidence, such as digital media and logs associated with cyber intrusion incidents. Analyze digital evidence and investigate computer security incidents to derive information in support of system and network vulnerability mitigation. Preserve and present computer-related evidence in support of criminal, fraud, counterintelligence, or law enforcement investigations.

Blockchain Engineers

Maintain and support distributed and decentralized blockchain-based networks or block-chain applications such as cryptocurrency exchange, payment processing, document sharing, and digital voting. Design and deploy secure block-chain design patterns and solutions over geographically distributed networks using advanced technologies. May assist with infrastructure setup and testing for application transparency and security.

Computer Systems Engineers/Architects

Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.

Information Technology Project Managers

Plan, initiate, and manage information technology (IT) projects. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. Serve as liaison between business and technical aspects of projects. Plan project stages and assess business implications for each stage. Monitor progress to assure deadlines, standards, and cost targets are met.

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 Savannah Technical College, approximately 47% 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 14 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.