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Computer Science at Northern Virginia Community College

Annandale, VA · Public · Associate Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General

serving a student body of 31,737 in Annandale, VA.

Program Analysis

Northern Virginia Community College's Computer Science program produces graduates earning $39,679/yr — within striking distance of the $38,485 national average for this trade.

With a 57.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $9,052 in median debt clears fast against $39,679 in annual earnings.

A #50 ranking among 109 Computer Science programs places Northern Virginia Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $39,679-to-$73,013 earnings arc over five years reflects a 84% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

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

71 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
59
Low End
71
Score
74
High End
Earnings $39,679/yr (3% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (31% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$696K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
61.0x
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)
$11,406
Out-of-state: $23,572
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,052
2.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$73,013
84% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Computer Science 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 →

Computer Science Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Computer Science careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering engineering & technology.

Read the full Computer Science career guide →

Compare & Explore

Computer Science Overview

View all 109 schools offering Computer Science →

Computer Science at Other Schools

Colorado State University Global ($61,737) Des Moines Area Community College ($60,163) University of Nebraska at Omaha ($58,750) Salt Lake Community College ($57,428) Salt Lake Community College ($55,961) Southeast Community College Area ($55,738) Wake Technical Community College ($55,264) Front Range Community College ($53,219)

Other Majors at Northern Virginia Community College

Allied Health Professions ($74,050) Nursing ($72,905) Dental Assisting ($70,727) IT Management ($54,742) Computer Science ($48,889) Business Administration ($47,527) Legal Support Services ($45,915) Veterinary Technology ($42,966)

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Compare Computer Science degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Northern Virginia Community College's Computer Science program score?
At 71/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Will AI affect Computer Science careers?
AI won't eliminate Computer Science careers, but it may reshape them. At Northern Virginia Community College, a score of 71/100 already accounts for the 69% task exposure — the ROI calculation factors in reduced employment probability.
What's the typical debt for Computer Science graduates from Northern Virginia Community College?
At $9,052 in median debt, Computer Science graduates from Northern Virginia Community College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Computer Science graduates?
The DOL recognizes 2 apprenticeship pathways related to Computer Science. For students weighing Northern Virginia Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
What's the job market like for Computer Science from Northern Virginia Community College?
At 338,800 annual openings, Computer Science has a very large employment base. Northern Virginia Community College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given ongoing digital transformation and technology adoption.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →