Computer and Information Sciences, General at UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ

Cranford, NJ · Public · Associate Degree

serving 7,760 students in Cranford, NJ.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $18,160/yr fall 53% below the $38,485 national median for Computer and Information Sciences, General. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 28.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer and Information Sciences, General programs nationally.

The 40% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 69% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates.

Ranked #107 of 109 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs, UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $53,061 show a 192% jump from the $18,160 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

There are 2 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Computer and Information Sciences, General, including Data Scientist (median $112,590/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.

50 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
39
Low End
50
Score
53
High End
Earnings $18,160/yr (-53% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (31% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$319K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
30.2x
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)
$10,560
Out-of-state: $19,000
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,061
192% 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

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Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

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 UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ?
This program scores 50/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Computer and Information Sciences, General programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
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 $189,993 in decade earnings vs $318,684 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Computer and Information Sciences, General from UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ?
Lower starting pay at UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ 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?
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?
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 →