Computer Software and Media Applications at CUNY LaGuardia Community College

Long Island City, NY · Public · Associate Degree

with a mid-sized student body of 10,556 in Long Island City, NY.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $14,786 place CUNY LaGuardia Community College below the $31,879 national median for Computer Software and Media Applications — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 22.9x 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 70% of job tasks, producing a 40% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.

At #24 out of 24 programs, CUNY LaGuardia Community College's financial outcomes for Computer Software and Media Applications trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $14,786 to $24,267 over five years (64% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful salary progression.

Computer Software and Media Applications connects to 3 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

44 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
34
Low End
44
Score
48
High End
Earnings $14,786/yr (-54% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (30% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (262,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$259K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
24.9x
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)
$10,436
Out-of-state: $16,196
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$24,267
64% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Computer Software and Media Applications 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 →

About Computer Software and Media Applications Careers

Your career could begin as a software developer, where you’ll spend your days in a code editor like VS Code, writing Python or JavaScript and collaborating with a team to build and debug applications. Alternatively, you could focus on user experience as a web and digital interface designer, using tools like Figma to create wireframes and test how people interact with your layouts.

Read the full Computer Software and Media Applications career guide →

Compare & Explore

Computer Software and Media Applications Overview

Computer Software and Media Applications at Other Schools

Other Majors at CUNY LaGuardia Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 44/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Computer Software and Media Applications at CUNY LaGuardia Community College?
At 44/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Computer Software and Media Applications programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Will AI affect Computer Software and Media Applications careers?
AI won't 'replace' Computer Software and Media Applications careers outright, but it is likely to reduce job openings. We model 70% task exposure, which compresses employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Computer Software and Media Applications earnings lower at CUNY LaGuardia Community College?
Lower starting pay at CUNY LaGuardia Community College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Are there apprenticeship options for Computer Software and Media Applications?
Computer Software and Media Applications connects to 3 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
How many job openings are there for Computer Software and Media Applications graduates?
The career paths mapped to Computer Software and Media Applications have roughly 262,500 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 →