Computer Programming at Kent State University at Salem

Salem, OH · Public · Associate Degree

with a smaller student body of 1,127 in Salem, OH.

Program Analysis

At $36,388/yr, Computer Programming graduates from Kent State University at Salem land near the $41,895 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 27.9x 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 risk is moderate — 78% task exposure — and the 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Computer Programming graduates.

The median debt load of $17,750 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

At #28 out of 35 programs, Kent State University at Salem's financial outcomes for Computer Programming trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $36,388 to $40,794 over five years (12% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

52 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
43
Low End
52
Score
55
High End
Earnings $36,388/yr (-13% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (22% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (162,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$415K
2.9% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
28.5x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
7 of 7
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)
$14,544
Out-of-state: $33,488
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,750
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,794
12% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Computer Programming graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Software developers $133,080 +15.8% 13%
Software quality assurance analysts and testers $102,610 +10.0% 12%
Computer programmers $98,670 -6.0% 5%
Software developers
$133,080
+15.8% growth 13% AI-proof
Software quality assurance analysts and testers
$102,610
+10.0% growth 12% AI-proof
Computer programmers
$98,670
-6.0% growth 5% AI-proof

View all 7 career paths with full salary data →

Computer Programming Career Guide

What can you do with a Computer Programming credential from Kent State University at Salem? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Computer Programming career guide →

Compare & Explore

Computer Programming Overview

Computer Programming at Other Schools

Other Majors at Kent State University at Salem

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Computer Programming at Kent State University at Salem?
This program scores 52/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Computer Programming programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
What's the AI risk for Computer Programming graduates from Kent State University at Salem?
AI exposure of 78% is a real factor. For Kent State University at Salem specifically, the gap between optimistic ($415,204) and pessimistic ($380,699) decade earnings reflects that uncertainty.
Will Computer Programming graduates from Kent State University at Salem find jobs?
The career paths mapped to Computer Programming have roughly 162,300 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by ongoing digital transformation and technology adoption.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →