Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Wayne Community College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 suggests a manageable financial picture for this IT pathway, though both figures come from national peer programs rather than Wayne's specific outcomes. Similar networking programs nationwide produce first-year earnings around $43,300 with typical debt loads near $16,000—numbers that would allow graduates to potentially pay off loans within a year or two of focused repayment.

The challenge is that with 28 schools offering this associate's degree across North Carolina, Wayne's actual performance remains unknown due to suppressed data. The national benchmarks indicate relatively tight clustering—even top-quartile programs only push earnings to about $44,700—which means this field doesn't show dramatic variation based on where you study. That's somewhat reassuring, but it also means you're making this decision without seeing how Wayne's graduates specifically fare in Goldsboro's local job market or the broader Research Triangle region.

For families considering this investment, the estimated numbers point toward reasonable economics if your student can secure employment quickly after graduation. The debt load appears light enough that even modest IT support roles could make repayment feasible. However, confirm what job placement support Wayne provides and whether local employers actively recruit from their program—those practical factors matter more here than national averages when the school's own track record isn't visible.