Data Processing (Associate's Degree) at Spartanburg Community College

Median Earnings (1yr)

$39,702

90th percentile

60th percentile in South Carolina

Est. Median Debt

$15,813

Est. from SC median (4 programs)

Analysis

This program delivers strong outcomes despite working with limited enrollment data. First-year earnings of $39,702 place graduates above 90% of similar associate programs nationally, suggesting that Spartanburg's curriculum and employer connections translate into competitive job placements. The estimated debt load of $15,813—derived from comparable South Carolina community college programs—sits right at the state median and represents a manageable 0.40 ratio to first-year earnings.

What's particularly encouraging is the consistency across South Carolina's technical colleges. Spartanburg's graduates earn within a tight range of their peers at Midlands Tech ($40,012) and Greenville Tech ($39,062), indicating that the state's community college system maintains reliable standards in data processing education. The 13% earnings growth to $44,889 by year four suggests steady career progression, though not dramatic advancement. For families where 38% qualify for Pell grants, these are practical outcomes that should lead to manageable repayment timelines.

The caveat is that debt figures come from peer institutions rather than Spartanburg's actual graduates, so individual experiences may vary. However, the strong earnings performance—both regionally and nationally—provides confidence that this program positions students for employment in a field where associate-level credentials still hold clear labor market value. For a two-year investment, the fundamentals here are sound.

Where Spartanburg Community College Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Spartanburg Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Spartanburg Community College	$39,702	$44,889	+13%
Greenville Technical College	$39,062	$51,290	+31%
York Technical College	$25,617	$50,556	+97%
Midlands Technical College	$40,012	$43,832	+10%
Horry-Georgetown Technical College	$38,825	$43,340	+12%

Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina

Data Processing associates's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (15 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Spartanburg Community CollegeSpartanburg	$5,046	$39,702	$44,889	$15,813*	—
Midlands Technical CollegeWest Columbia	$4,788	$40,012	$43,832	$14,013*	0.35
Greenville Technical CollegeGreenville	$5,639	$39,062	$51,290	$21,083*	0.54
Horry-Georgetown Technical CollegeConway	$4,468	$38,825	$43,340	$16,500*	0.42
Tri-County Technical CollegePendleton	$4,448	$34,725	$41,037	—*	—
York Technical CollegeRock Hill	$5,512	$25,617	$50,556	$15,125*	0.59
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 Spartanburg 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.

Sample Size: Based on 28 graduates with reported earnings and 15 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.