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Software Development at CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College

New York, NY · Public · Associate Degree · Computer Software and Media Applications

with a mid-sized student body of 16,850 in New York, NY.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $20,919/yr fall 34% below the $31,879 national median for Software Development. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 30.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Software Development programs nationally.

The 37% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 70% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Software Development graduates.

Ranked #20 of 24 Software Development programs, CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $31,407 show a 50% jump from the $20,919 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

There are 3 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Software Development, including Data Scientist (median $112,590/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.

49 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
38
Low End
49
Score
52
High End
Earnings $20,919/yr (-34% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (30% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (262,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$345K
10.7% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
33.3x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
13 of 13
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)
$10,340
Out-of-state: $16,100
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$31,407
50% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Software Development 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 13 career paths with full salary data →

Software Development Career Guide

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

Read the full Software Development career guide →

Compare & Explore

Software Development Overview

View all 24 schools offering Software Development →

Software Development at Other Schools

Madison Area Technical College ($65,191) Dunwoody College of Technology ($52,264) Hunter Business School ($45,301) Dallas College ($41,477) Minneapolis Community and Technical College ($38,262) Portland Community College ($37,572) Visible Music College ($35,734) Harrisburg Area Community College ($35,284)

Other Majors at CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College

Allied Health Professions ($100,611) Nursing ($86,295) Community Organization ($33,854) Accounting ($30,942) Engineering ($30,518) Business Administration ($28,526) Physical Sciences ($26,948) Computer Science ($26,582)

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare Software Development degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Software Development at CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College?
A score of 49/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Software Development. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
What's the AI risk for Software Development graduates from CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College?
AI exposure of 70% is a real factor. For CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College specifically, the gap between optimistic ($344,682) and pessimistic ($218,858) decade earnings reflects that uncertainty.
Can you still earn well with Software Development from CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Are there apprenticeship options for Software Development?
If CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 3 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Software Development. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
How many job openings are there for Software Development graduates?
Job availability for Software Development is strong — 262,500 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College graduates specifically, local market conditions in NY may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →