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Software Development at CUNY LaGuardia Community College

Long Island City, NY · Public · Associate Degree · Computer Software and Media Applications

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 Software Development — 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 Software Development 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.

Software Development 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 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 LaGuardia Community College

Nursing ($75,260) Allied Health Professions ($68,603) Practical Nursing ($56,230) Veterinary Technology ($50,281) Medical Assisting ($40,463) Legal Support Services ($36,358) Business Administration ($29,953) Audio & Video Technology ($29,299)

Explore the Degree Alternative

Compare Software Development degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

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 Software Development at CUNY LaGuardia Community College?
At 44/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Software Development programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Software Development at CUNY LaGuardia Community College?
AI won't eliminate Software Development careers, but it may reshape them. At CUNY LaGuardia Community College, a score of 44/100 already accounts for the 70% task exposure — the ROI calculation factors in reduced employment probability.
Why are Software Development 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.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Software Development program at CUNY LaGuardia Community College?
There are 3 registered apprenticeships connected to Software Development occupations, such as Data Scientist and Graphic Designer. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Will Software Development graduates from CUNY LaGuardia Community College find jobs?
With approximately 262,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Software Development offers a very large employment pool. CUNY LaGuardia Community College graduates enter a market shaped by ongoing digital transformation and technology adoption.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →