Computer Science at Erie Community College

Buffalo, NY · Public · Associate Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General

enrolling 5,906 students in Buffalo, NY.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,253/yr, roughly in line with the $38,485 national median for Computer Science. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 47.5x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Computer Science carry above-average AI exposure (69% of tasks). The 40% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

With first-year pay of $35,253 far exceeding the $8,450 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #62 ranking among 109 Computer Science programs places Erie Community College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $35,253-to-$56,462 earnings arc over five years reflects a 60% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

For students considering alternatives, 2 registered apprenticeship programs align with Computer Science careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

67 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
54
Low End
67
Score
69
High End
Earnings $35,253/yr (-8% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (31% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$619K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
50.7x
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)
$12,200
Out-of-state: $22,600
Median Debt at Graduation
$8,450
2.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,462
60% 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 Erie 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

Computer Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at Erie Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Computer Science at Erie Community College?
This program scores 67/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Computer Science programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
What's the AI risk for Computer Science graduates from Erie Community College?
With 69% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $368,825 in decade earnings vs $618,644 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What's the typical debt for Computer Science graduates from Erie Community College?
At $8,450 in median debt, Computer Science graduates from Erie Community College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Are there apprenticeship options for Computer Science?
The DOL recognizes 2 apprenticeship pathways related to Computer Science. For students weighing Erie Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Will Computer Science graduates from Erie Community College find jobs?
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 →