Computer and Information Sciences at Wilson Community College

Based on comparable North Carolina community colleges, this program appears positioned right at the state median with first-year earnings around $40,800—though without Wilson Community College's own reported outcomes, it's difficult to know whether their graduates actually achieve these figures. That estimated salary exceeds the national benchmark by roughly $5,000, which reflects North Carolina's relatively strong tech sector, particularly in the Research Triangle region about 45 miles east of Wilson.

The estimated debt load of $15,300 translates to a manageable 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would theoretically dedicate less than four months of gross income to paying off loans. For context, peer programs at Wake Tech and Durham Tech report significantly higher earnings—in the $45,000 to $48,000 range—suggesting location and curriculum strength matter considerably in this field. Wilson's distance from major tech hubs could explain why its estimates track closer to the state median than to top performers.

The practical challenge here is uncertainty. These estimates tell you what similar programs produce, not what Wilson Community College delivers specifically. If their program mirrors the state median, the investment pencils out reasonably well. But if you're comparing schools, the reported outcomes at Wake Tech or Durham Tech offer more concrete evidence of value, particularly if your child can access those programs without significantly higher living costs.