Computer and Information Sciences at Virginia Peninsula Community College

Similar tech programs across Virginia suggest this pathway could work financially, though with a caveat: while estimated first-year earnings of roughly $41,000 align with what comparable community college IT programs produce, that four-year figure of $60,219 signals where the real value kicks in. That's a nearly 50% jump, reflecting how associate degrees in tech often serve as stepping stones—either into bachelor's programs or into roles where experience matters more than credentials. The estimated $10,500 in debt is manageable either way, running well below what most two-year programs saddle students with nationally.

What makes this trickier to evaluate is that these figures come from just three peer programs statewide, meaning there's less certainty than you'd want for a major financial decision. The actual outcomes for Virginia Peninsula graduates could vary significantly. That said, the four-year earnings number is reported directly, not estimated, which suggests grads who stick with tech careers do see meaningful income growth. For families where a four-year university isn't affordable upfront, this represents a lower-risk entry point into a field with real earning potential—just recognize you're betting on trajectory rather than immediate payoff, and the specific outcomes at this campus remain unclear.