Computer Programming at Dallas College

Dallas, TX · Public · Certificate

with 41,815 students enrolled in Dallas, TX.

Program Analysis

Dallas College's Computer Programming program produces graduates earning $43,727/yr — within striking distance of the $41,895 national average for this trade.

With a 271.5x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Computer Programming carry above-average AI exposure (78% of tasks). The 35% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $10,171 in median debt clears fast against $43,727 in annual earnings.

Dallas College ranks #1 among 35 Computer Programming programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 47% earnings increase from $43,727 to $64,460 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

74 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
64
Low End
74
Score
78
High End
Earnings $43,727/yr (4% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (22% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (162,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$703K
10.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
296.7x
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 (In-State)
$2,370
Out-of-state: $6,000
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,171
2.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$64,460
47% growth from Year 1

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

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

Read the full Computer Programming career guide →

Compare & Explore

Computer Programming Overview

Computer Programming at Other Schools

Other Majors at Dallas 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 is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Computer Programming at Dallas College?
This program scores 74/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Computer Programming nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
What's the AI risk for Computer Programming graduates from Dallas College?
Our scenarios model 78% of Computer Programming tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. Dallas College's 74/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
What's the typical debt for Computer Programming graduates from Dallas College?
Median debt of just $10,171 against $43,727/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 3 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Is Dallas College one of the best schools for Computer Programming?
Among 35 Computer Programming programs, Dallas College's #1 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Is there demand for Computer Programming workers?
With approximately 162,300 annual openings across mapped careers, Computer Programming offers a very large employment pool. Dallas College graduates enter a market shaped by ongoing digital transformation and technology adoption.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →