Computer Programming at Chippewa Valley Technical College

Eau Claire, WI · Public · Associate Degree

a compact campus enrolling 4,127 students in Eau Claire, WI.

Program Analysis

At $44,673 per year, Computer Programming graduates from Chippewa Valley Technical College earn slightly above the $41,895 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 66.1x 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 78% of job tasks, producing a 31% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.

The median debt load of $11,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Ranked #12 out of 35 programs, Chippewa Valley Technical College's Computer Programming offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $44,673 to $62,722 shows 40% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

66 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
54
Low End
66
Score
70
High End
Earnings $44,673/yr (7% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (22% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (162,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$674K
8.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
71.3x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
7 of 7
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)
$9,448
Out-of-state: $13,834
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,000
3.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,722
40% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Computer Programming graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Software developers $133,080 +15.8% 13%
Software quality assurance analysts and testers $102,610 +10.0% 12%
Computer programmers $98,670 -6.0% 5%
Software developers
$133,080
+15.8% growth 13% AI-proof
Software quality assurance analysts and testers
$102,610
+10.0% growth 12% AI-proof
Computer programmers
$98,670
-6.0% growth 5% AI-proof

View all 7 career paths with full salary data →

Computer Programming Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Computer Programming careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering engineering & technology.

Read the full Computer Programming career guide →

Compare & Explore

Computer Programming Overview

Computer Programming at Other Schools

Other Majors at Chippewa Valley Technical 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 does a 66/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Computer Programming at Chippewa Valley Technical College?
This program scores 66/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Computer Programming graduates.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Programming at Chippewa Valley Technical College?
AI exposure of 78% is a real factor. For Chippewa Valley Technical College specifically, the gap between optimistic ($673,995) and pessimistic ($467,379) decade earnings reflects that uncertainty.
What's the typical debt for Computer Programming graduates from Chippewa Valley Technical College?
At $11,000 in median debt, Computer Programming graduates from Chippewa Valley Technical College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Will Computer Programming graduates from Chippewa Valley Technical College find jobs?
The very large job market (162,300 annual openings) works in favor of Computer Programming graduates. The national outlook is driven by ongoing digital transformation and technology adoption, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →