Computer and Information Sciences, General at Des Moines Area Community College

Ankeny, IA · Public · Associate Degree

enrolling 10,406 students in Ankeny, IA.

Program Analysis

Graduates of Des Moines Area Community College's Computer and Information Sciences, General program earn $60,163/yr in their first year — 56% above the $38,485 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 56.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer and Information Sciences, General programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Computer and Information Sciences, General'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.

At #22 of 109 nationally, this is a top-5% Computer and Information Sciences, General program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

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.

78 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
70
Low End
78
Score
80
High End
Earnings $60,163/yr (56% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (31% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$635K
1.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
57.2x
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)
$11,100
Out-of-state: $22,200

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

Other Majors at Des Moines Area Community College

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 Des Moines Area Community College?
A score of 78/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Des Moines Area Community College's Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
How vulnerable is Computer and Information Sciences, General to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Computer and Information Sciences, General careers outright, but it is likely to reduce job openings. We model 69% task exposure, which compresses employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does Des Moines Area Community College rank so high for Computer and Information Sciences, General?
Among 109 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs, Des Moines Area Community College's #22 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Can I learn Computer and Information Sciences, General through an apprenticeship instead?
Yes — 2 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Computer and Information Sciences, General career paths, including Data Scientist. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to certificate programs.
Is there demand for Computer and Information Sciences, General workers?
The career paths mapped to Computer and Information Sciences, General have roughly 338,800 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Trade careers in this field benefit from consistent replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →