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Computer Science at Columbia College

Columbia, MO · Private nonprofit · Associate Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General

serving 5,359 students in Columbia, MO.

Program Analysis

At $47,167 per year, Computer Science graduates from Columbia College earn slightly above the $38,485 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 10.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Science programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Computer Science's career paths, with 69% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 1% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $22,387 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Ranked #81 of 109 Computer Science programs, Columbia College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

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.

62 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
53
Low End
62
Score
64
High End
Earnings $47,167/yr (23% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (31% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$498K
1.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
10.2x
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
$48,652
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,387
5.7 months of Year 1 earnings

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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Computer Science careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering engineering & technology.

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 Columbia College

Nursing ($65,768) Criminal Justice ($47,941) Liberal Arts & Humanities ($47,598) Business ($41,791) Human Services ($35,001)

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Compare Computer Science degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Columbia College's Computer Science program score?
At 62/100, the score looks reasonable — but Computer Science is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Will AI affect Computer Science careers?
Our scenarios model 69% of Computer Science tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. Columbia College's 62/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Computer Science program at Columbia College?
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.
Is there demand for Computer Science workers?
The career paths mapped to Computer Science have roughly 338,800 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by ongoing digital transformation and technology adoption.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →