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Computer and Information Sciences, General at Passaic County Community College

Paterson, NJ · Public · Associate Degree

a compact campus enrolling 4,546 students in Paterson, NJ.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $31,346/yr fall 19% below the $38,485 national median for Computer and Information Sciences, General. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 46.2x 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.

A #74 ranking among 109 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs places Passaic County Community College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $31,346-to-$49,495 earnings arc over five years reflects a 58% 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.

64 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
51
Low End
64
Score
66
High End
Earnings $31,346/yr (-19% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (31% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$550K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
49.3x
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)
$11,160
Out-of-state: $19,380
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,495
58% 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

View all 109 schools offering Computer and Information Sciences, General →

Computer and Information Sciences, General 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 Passaic County Community College

Business/Commerce, General ($35,905) Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($25,017) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($23,559)

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare Computer and Information Sciences, General degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

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 Passaic County Community College?
A score of 64/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Passaic County Community College trails the majority of Computer and Information Sciences, General programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer and Information Sciences, General?
The 69% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Can you still earn well with Computer and Information Sciences, General from Passaic County Community College?
Lower starting pay at Passaic County Community College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Can I learn Computer and Information Sciences, General through an apprenticeship instead?
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?
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 →