Software Development at Dallas College

Dallas, TX · Public · Certificate · Computer Software and Media Applications

with 41,815 students enrolled in Dallas, TX.

Program Analysis

Graduates of Dallas College's Software Development program earn $41,477/yr in their first year — 30% above the $31,879 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

The 183.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 70% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Software Development graduates.

Ranked #1 out of 24 programs, Dallas College's Software Development program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Software Development connects to 3 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

79 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
71
Low End
79
Score
82
High End
Earnings $41,477/yr (30% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (30% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (262,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$434K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
183.1x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
13 of 13
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

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Software Development 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 13 career paths with full salary data →

Software Development Career Guide

Software Development opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Software Development career guide →

Compare & Explore

Software Development Overview

Software Development at Other Schools

Other Majors at Dallas College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Dallas College's Software Development program score?
At 79/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Will AI affect Software Development careers?
The 70% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Dallas College graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Dallas College one of the best schools for Software Development?
Among 24 Software Development programs, Dallas College's #1 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Can I learn Software Development through an apprenticeship instead of Dallas College?
Beyond Dallas College's classroom route, 3 registered apprenticeships map to Software Development careers — including Data Scientist. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Is there demand for Software Development workers?
With approximately 262,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Software Development 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 →