Computer and Information Sciences, General at Guilford Technical Community College

Jamestown, NC · Public · Certificate

with a mid-sized student body of 8,179 in Jamestown, NC.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $36,227 track close to the $38,485 national median for Computer and Information Sciences, General programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 205.3x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 23% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer and Information Sciences, General career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At $17,500 in median debt against $36,227 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

Guilford Technical Community College ranks #16 among 109 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 30% earnings increase from $36,227 to $46,940 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

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

80 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
70
Low End
80
Score
82
High End
Earnings $36,227/yr (-6% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (31% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$493K
6.7% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
212.7x
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)
$2,319
Out-of-state: $7,695
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,500
5.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,940
30% 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 Guilford Technical Community College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Computer and Information Sciences, General at Guilford Technical Community College?
This program scores 80/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Computer and Information Sciences, General nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
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.
Why does Guilford Technical Community College rank so high for Computer and Information Sciences, General?
Ranked #16 of 109 programs nationally, Guilford Technical Community College lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Are there apprenticeship options for Computer and Information Sciences, General?
Yes — 2 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Computer and Information Sciences, General career paths, including Data Scientist. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to certificate programs.
How many job openings are there for Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates?
With approximately 338,800 annual openings across mapped careers, Computer and Information Sciences, General offers a very large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →