Computer and Information Sciences, General at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

Salisbury, NC · Public · Certificate

with a smaller student body of 4,073 in Salisbury, NC.

Program Analysis

At $34,853/yr, Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College land near the $38,485 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 213.4x 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 — 69% task exposure — and the 20% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates.

Ranked #21 out of 109 programs, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College's Computer and Information Sciences, General program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $34,853 to $43,581 shows 25% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

Computer and Information Sciences, General connects to 2 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

79 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
69
Low End
79
Score
81
High End
Earnings $34,853/yr (-9% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (31% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$454K
5.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
219.9x
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)
$2,064
Out-of-state: $6,672
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,581
25% 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 Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

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 and Information Sciences, General at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College?
This program scores 79/100 — 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?
With 69% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $364,640 in decade earnings vs $453,949 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Rowan-Cabarrus Community College's Computer and Information Sciences, General program stand out?
The #21 ranking out of 109 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates?
There are 2 registered apprenticeships connected to Computer and Information Sciences, General 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 and Information Sciences, General graduates?
The career paths mapped to Computer and Information Sciences, General have roughly 338,800 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 →