Computer Programming at Southeast Technical College

Sioux Falls, SD · Public · Associate Degree

with a smaller student body of 2,164 in Sioux Falls, SD.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $53,874 put Southeast Technical College's Computer Programming program 29% above the national median of $41,895 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

With a 36.8x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Programming career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

With first-year pay of $53,874 far exceeding the $12,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #17 ranking among 35 Computer Programming programs places Southeast Technical College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

61 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
54
Low End
61
Score
65
High End
Earnings $53,874/yr (29% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (22% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (162,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$564K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
36.8x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
7 of 7
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$15,300
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000
2.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Computer Programming graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Software developers $133,080 +15.8% 13%
Software quality assurance analysts and testers $102,610 +10.0% 12%
Computer programmers $98,670 -6.0% 5%
Software developers
$133,080
+15.8% growth 13% AI-proof
Software quality assurance analysts and testers
$102,610
+10.0% growth 12% AI-proof
Computer programmers
$98,670
-6.0% growth 5% AI-proof

View all 7 career paths with full salary data →

Computer Programming Career Guide

Explore what Computer Programming graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 35 programs nationwide.

Read the full Computer Programming career guide →

Compare & Explore

Computer Programming Overview

Computer Programming at Other Schools

Other Majors at Southeast Technical 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 Southeast Technical College's Computer Programming program score?
A score of 61/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Computer Programming field.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Programming at Southeast Technical College?
The 78% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Southeast Technical College graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
How affordable is Computer Programming at Southeast Technical College?
At $12,000 in median debt, Computer Programming graduates from Southeast Technical College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Is there demand for Computer Programming workers?
The very large job market (162,300 annual openings) works in favor of Computer Programming graduates. The national outlook is driven by ongoing digital transformation and technology adoption, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →