Computer Software and Media Applications at Dallas College

Dallas, TX · Public · Certificate

with 41,815 students enrolled in Dallas, TX.

Program Analysis

Graduates of Dallas College's Computer Software and Media Applications program earn $41,477/yr in their first year — 30% above the $31,879 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

The 183.1x 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 risk is moderate — 70% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Computer Software and Media Applications graduates.

Ranked #1 out of 24 programs, Dallas College's Computer Software and Media Applications program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

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.

79 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
71
Low End
79
Score
82
High End
Earnings $41,477/yr (30% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (30% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (262,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$434K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
183.1x
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)
$2,370
Out-of-state: $6,000

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 Dallas College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Dallas College's Computer Software and Media Applications program score?
At 79/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
How vulnerable is Computer Software and Media Applications to AI automation?
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.
Is Dallas College one of the best schools for Computer Software and Media Applications?
Among 24 Computer Software and Media Applications programs, Dallas College's #1 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Can I learn Computer Software and Media Applications through an apprenticeship instead?
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 →