Computer Science at Central Piedmont Community College

Charlotte, NC · Public · Associate Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General

enrolling 13,640 students in Charlotte, NC.

Program Analysis

At $40,854 per year, Computer Science graduates from Central Piedmont Community College earn slightly above the $38,485 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 107.3x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI exposure is significant at 69% of job tasks, producing a 32% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.

Ranked #19 out of 109 programs, Central Piedmont Community College's Computer Science program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $40,854 to $58,334 shows 43% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

Computer Science connects to 2 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

79 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
67
Low End
79
Score
81
High End
Earnings $40,854/yr (6% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (31% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$630K
9.3% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
112.8x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
14 of 14
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$5,584
Out-of-state: $17,872
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,334
43% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Computer Science graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Computer and information systems managers $171,200 +15.2% 47%
Computer and information research scientists $140,910 +19.7% 37%
Database architects $135,980 +8.7% 6%
Computer and information systems managers
$171,200
+15.2% growth 47% AI-proof
Computer and information research scientists
$140,910
+19.7% growth 37% AI-proof
Database architects
$135,980
+8.7% growth 6% AI-proof

View all 14 career paths with full salary data →

Computer Science Career Guide

Computer Science opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Computer Science career guide →

Compare & Explore

Computer Science Overview

Computer Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at Central Piedmont Community College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Computer Science at Central Piedmont Community College?
This program scores 79/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Computer Science nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
Will AI affect Computer Science careers?
Our scenarios model 69% of Computer Science tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. Central Piedmont Community College's 79/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
What makes Central Piedmont Community College's Computer Science program stand out?
Among 109 Computer Science programs, Central Piedmont Community College's #19 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Can I learn Computer Science through an apprenticeship instead of Central Piedmont Community College?
Beyond Central Piedmont Community College's classroom route, 2 registered apprenticeships map to Computer Science careers — including Data Scientist. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
What's the job market like for Computer Science from Central Piedmont Community College?
Job availability for Computer Science is strong — 338,800 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Central Piedmont Community College graduates specifically, local market conditions in NC may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →