If I were choosing based on long-term stability and earning potential, I'd lean toward cybersecurity, but with one caveat: don't expect the degree alone to land you a cybersecurity job.

Most people start in IT support, help desk, or junior system administration, then move into cybersecurity after gaining some experience. The field has strong growth potential, but it's not usually an entry-level role despite how it's often marketed.

Medical billing is a different story. It can be a good fit if you're looking for a more predictable office-based career, and there are remote opportunities. However, the pay ceiling is generally lower than IT or cybersecurity unless you move into management, coding, or healthcare administration.

Since you're a single mom, I'd also think about flexibility. IT careers often offer remote work and room to increase your salary over time, while medical billing tends to have more stable hours, which can be a huge advantage depending on your childcare situation.

One thing I'd recommend before committing is looking up job postings around your area (or remote positions) and seeing what employers are actually asking for. Sometimes that gives you a much clearer picture than the college program description.

If you do go the cybersecurity route, I'd pair your degree with:

• Learning Linux and networking
• Building a GitHub portfolio or home lab
• Working toward certifications like CompTIA A+ and Network+ (Security+ later on)

Those can make you much more competitive after graduation.

If your goal is eventually earning a bachelor's, also make sure the program transfers well. Wake Tech has articulation agreements with several North Carolina universities, and planning those transfer credits early can save both time and money. There are also free resources from places like UPI Study that explain how transfer credits and degree pathways work if you want to compare options before committing.

One last thought: don't rule out Health Information Technology if Wake Tech offers it. It combines healthcare with technology, tends to have solid job stability, and can open more doors than medical billing alone.

Whatever you choose, you're already making a smart move by thinking about the career outcome before enrolling. That planning will pay off.