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Computer Science at Central New Mexico Community College

Albuquerque, NM · Public · Associate Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General

with a mid-sized student body of 15,246 in Albuquerque, NM.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $34,156/yr, roughly in line with the $38,485 national median for Computer Science. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 134.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Science programs nationally.

The 35% 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 Science graduates.

With first-year pay of $34,156 far exceeding the $8,125 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #26 of 109 nationally, this is a top-5% Computer Science program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $34,156 to $50,387 over five years — a 48% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

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

77 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
65
Low End
77
Score
79
High End
Earnings $34,156/yr (-11% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (31% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$550K
10.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
142.1x
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)
$3,868
Out-of-state: $16,732
Median Debt at Graduation
$8,125
2.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,387
48% 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

What can you do with a Computer Science credential from Central New Mexico Community College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Computer Science career guide →

Compare & Explore

Computer Science Overview

View all 109 schools offering Computer Science →

Computer Science at Other Schools

Colorado State University Global ($61,737) Des Moines Area Community College ($60,163) University of Nebraska at Omaha ($58,750) Salt Lake Community College ($57,428) Salt Lake Community College ($55,961) Southeast Community College Area ($55,738) Wake Technical Community College ($55,264) Front Range Community College ($53,219)

Other Majors at Central New Mexico Community College

Nursing ($74,923) Allied Health Professions ($57,486) Precision Metalworking ($42,162) Accounting ($40,511) Business Administration ($37,010) Vehicle Repair Technology ($36,594) Criminal Justice ($35,865) Human Development & Family Studies ($31,256)

Explore the Degree Alternative

Compare Computer Science degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Central New Mexico Community College's Computer Science program score?
At 77/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
What's the AI risk for Computer Science graduates from Central New Mexico Community College?
Our scenarios model 69% of Computer Science tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. Central New Mexico Community College's 77/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
How affordable is Computer Science at Central New Mexico Community College?
At $8,125 in median debt, Computer Science graduates from Central New Mexico Community College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
What makes Central New Mexico Community College's Computer Science program stand out?
Ranked #26 of 109 programs nationally, Central New Mexico Community College lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Can I learn Computer Science through an apprenticeship instead of Central New Mexico Community College?
Beyond Central New Mexico Community College's classroom route, 2 registered apprenticeships map to Computer Science careers — including Data Scientist. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
What's the job market like for Computer Science from Central New Mexico Community College?
With approximately 338,800 annual openings across mapped careers, Computer Science offers a very large employment pool. Central New Mexico Community College graduates enter a market shaped by ongoing digital transformation and technology adoption.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →