Computer and Information Sciences at Wake Technical Community College

A Bachelor's in Computer and Information Sciences from a community college raises immediate questions about value—and the estimated figures here, drawn from similar NC programs, suggest this path underperforms meaningfully. At roughly $54,000 in first-year earnings, graduates would likely earn about $7,000 less than the national median for this degree and fall well short of what major state universities produce. North Carolina Central and UNC Charlotte graduates start in the $60,000-$75,000 range, suggesting that where you earn this degree matters considerably in tech hiring.

The estimated $27,000 debt load—though exactly at North Carolina's median—becomes more problematic when paired with those lower earnings. A 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't catastrophic, but it means dedicating roughly half a year's salary to student loans, which feels steep when peer programs in the state deliver substantially higher starting pay for similar borrowing. The real concern is opportunity cost: completing a four-year degree at a community college doesn't appear to capture the salary premium that typically comes with computer science credentials from universities with stronger industry connections.

For families watching their budget, this route might seem appealing initially, but the earnings gap suggests it's worth comparing total costs more carefully. If your child can access UNC Wilmington or Charlotte—even with somewhat higher debt—the salary boost could more than compensate. Wake Tech's program may serve students well as a transfer pathway, but as a terminal Bachelor's destination, these estimates point toward limited returns.