Computer Science at South Texas College

McAllen, TX · Public · Associate Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General

with a mid-sized student body of 16,131 in McAllen, TX.

Program Analysis

South Texas College's Computer Science graduates start at $26,755/yr, trailing the $38,485 national average by 30%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 38.8x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 30% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Science career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

A #102 ranking among 109 Computer Science programs places South Texas College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 39% earnings increase from $26,755 to $37,259 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

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

58 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
47
Low End
58
Score
60
High End
Earnings $26,755/yr (-30% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (31% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$399K
8.6% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
40.6x
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)
$9,840
Out-of-state: $15,000
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$37,259
39% 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

Explore what Computer Science graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 109 programs nationwide.

Read the full Computer Science career guide →

Compare & Explore

Computer Science Overview

Computer Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at South Texas College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 58/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at South Texas College?
A score of 58/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but South Texas College trails the majority of Computer Science programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
What's the AI risk for Computer Science graduates from South Texas College?
With 69% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $279,918 in decade earnings vs $399,410 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is South Texas College a good choice for Computer Science despite lower starting pay?
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 Science graduates?
There are 2 registered apprenticeships connected to Computer Science occupations, such as Data Scientist and It Project Manager. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
What's the job market like for Computer Science from South Texas College?
Job availability for Computer Science is strong — 338,800 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For South Texas College graduates specifically, local market conditions in TX may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →