Computer and Information Sciences, General at Erie Community College

Buffalo, NY · Public · Associate Degree

enrolling 5,906 students in Buffalo, NY.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,253/yr, roughly in line with the $38,485 national median for Computer and Information Sciences, General. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 47.5x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Computer and Information Sciences, General carry above-average AI exposure (69% of tasks). The 40% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

With first-year pay of $35,253 far exceeding the $8,450 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #62 ranking among 109 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs places Erie Community College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $35,253-to-$56,462 earnings arc over five years reflects a 60% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

For students considering alternatives, 2 registered apprenticeship programs align with Computer and Information Sciences, General careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

67 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
54
Low End
67
Score
69
High End
Earnings $35,253/yr (-8% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (31% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$619K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
50.7x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
14 of 14
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)
$12,200
Out-of-state: $22,600
Median Debt at Graduation
$8,450
2.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,462
60% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Computer and Information Sciences, General 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 14 career paths with full salary data →

About Computer and Information Sciences, General Careers

Your career in tech often begins on a team, perhaps as a software developer using languages like Python to build new app features, or as an information security analyst monitoring networks for threats with tools like Splunk. Entry-level roles focus on specific tasks like fixing bugs or responding to security alerts under supervision. With a few years of experience, you’ll take on more complex challenges, designing systems and mentoring others. Many progress to senior specialist roles or into management, leading teams and setting strategy as a Computer and Information Systems Manager.

Read the full Computer and Information Sciences, General career guide →

Compare & Explore

Computer and Information Sciences, General Overview

Computer and Information Sciences, General at Other Schools

Other Majors at Erie 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 is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Computer and Information Sciences, General at Erie Community College?
This program scores 67/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Computer and Information Sciences, General programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
How vulnerable is Computer and Information Sciences, General to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Computer and Information Sciences, General careers outright, but it is likely to reduce job openings. We model 69% task exposure, which compresses employment probability in our scenarios.
What's the typical debt for Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates from Erie Community College?
At $8,450 in median debt, Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates from Erie Community College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Are there apprenticeship options for Computer and Information Sciences, General?
Computer and Information Sciences, General connects to 2 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 and Information Sciences, General graduates?
The career paths mapped to Computer and Information Sciences, General have roughly 338,800 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 →