Computer Software and Media Applications at Quinsigamond Community College

Worcester, MA · Public · Associate Degree

enrolling 5,413 students in Worcester, MA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $21,803 place Quinsigamond Community College below the $31,879 national median for Computer Software and Media Applications — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 29.4x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Software and Media Applications programs nationally.

The 40% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 70% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Computer Software and Media Applications graduates.

Median debt of $19,235 represents roughly 11 months of the $21,803 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.

Ranked #19 of 24 Computer Software and Media Applications programs, Quinsigamond Community College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $36,412 show a 67% jump from the $21,803 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

There are 3 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Computer Software and Media Applications, including Data Scientist (median $112,590/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.

49 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
38
Low End
49
Score
52
High End
Earnings $21,803/yr (-32% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (30% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (262,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$383K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
32.0x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
13 of 13
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)
$11,948
Out-of-state: $21,836
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,235
10.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$36,412
67% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Computer Software and Media Applications 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 13 career paths with full salary data →

About Computer Software and Media Applications Careers

Your career could begin as a software developer, where you’ll spend your days in a code editor like VS Code, writing Python or JavaScript and collaborating with a team to build and debug applications. Alternatively, you could focus on user experience as a web and digital interface designer, using tools like Figma to create wireframes and test how people interact with your layouts.

Read the full Computer Software and Media Applications career guide →

Compare & Explore

Computer Software and Media Applications Overview

Computer Software and Media Applications at Other Schools

Other Majors at Quinsigamond Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Quinsigamond Community College's Computer Software and Media Applications program score?
A score of 49/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Computer Software and Media Applications. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI affect Computer Software and Media Applications careers?
With 70% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $228,108 in decade earnings vs $382,613 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Why are Computer Software and Media Applications earnings lower at Quinsigamond Community College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Computer Software and Media Applications graduates?
There are 3 registered apprenticeships connected to Computer Software and Media Applications occupations. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
How many job openings are there for Computer Software and Media Applications graduates?
The career paths mapped to Computer Software and Media Applications have roughly 262,500 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 →