Business/Commerce, General at Orangeburg - Calhoun Technical College

Graduates from the Business/Commerce, General program at Orangeburg - Calhoun Technical College can expect a steady earnings trajectory, with median earnings of $34,275 one year after graduation, increasing to $39,380 after five years, and reaching $46,663 by the ten-year mark. When adjusted for purchasing power, the five-year salary equates to approximately $41,365.55 nationally, indicating that while initial earnings may be modest, there is potential for growth over time, particularly when considering the cost of living in South Carolina, which has a COL index of 0.952 compared to the national average.

The primary industries that graduates enter are predominantly within Health Care & Social Assistance, with significant percentages of 84.6%, 38.3%, and 32.1% respectively. This concentration suggests that graduates may find ample job opportunities in a sector that is both stable and growing. However, the estimated break-even point of approximately 27.8 years compared to a high-school-only path indicates that the return on investment for this degree may take considerable time to materialize. Overall, while the program offers a pathway to employment in a vital industry, prospective students should weigh the long-term financial implications against their career goals.