Computer and Information Sciences, General at Chattanooga State Community College

Chattanooga, TN · Public · Associate Degree

with a smaller student body of 4,689 in Chattanooga, TN.

Program Analysis

Chattanooga State Community College's Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates start at $41,400/yr — above the $38,485 national average, though not by a wide margin.

The 60.8x 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 risk is moderate — 69% task exposure — and the 25% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $13,595 in median debt clears fast against $41,400 in annual earnings.

Ranked #42 out of 109 programs, Chattanooga State Community College's Computer and Information Sciences, General offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $41,400 to $54,486 shows 32% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

Computer and Information Sciences, General connects to 2 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

73 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
63
Low End
73
Score
76
High End
Earnings $41,400/yr (8% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (31% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$575K
7.1% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
63.2x
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)
$9,100
Out-of-state: $35,500
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,595
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,486
32% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Computer and Information Sciences, General 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 →

About Computer and Information Sciences, General Careers

Your career in tech often begins on a team, perhaps as a software developer using languages like Python to build new app features, or as an information security analyst monitoring networks for threats with tools like Splunk. Entry-level roles focus on specific tasks like fixing bugs or responding to security alerts under supervision. With a few years of experience, you’ll take on more complex challenges, designing systems and mentoring others. Many progress to senior specialist roles or into management, leading teams and setting strategy as a Computer and Information Systems Manager.

Read the full Computer and Information Sciences, General career guide →

Compare & Explore

Computer and Information Sciences, General Overview

Computer and Information Sciences, General at Other Schools

Other Majors at Chattanooga State Community College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 73/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Computer and Information Sciences, General at Chattanooga State Community College?
At 73/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Will AI affect Computer and Information Sciences, General careers?
With 69% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $433,135 in decade earnings vs $574,922 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates?
There are 2 registered apprenticeships connected to Computer and Information Sciences, General occupations. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
How many job openings are there for Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates?
The career paths mapped to Computer and Information Sciences, General have roughly 338,800 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Trade careers in this field benefit from consistent replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →