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Software Development at Quinsigamond Community College

Worcester, MA · Public · Associate Degree · Computer Software and Media Applications

enrolling 5,413 students in Worcester, MA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $21,803 place Quinsigamond Community College below the $31,879 national median for Software Development — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 29.4x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Software Development programs nationally.

The 40% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 70% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Software Development graduates.

Median debt of $19,235 represents roughly 11 months of the $21,803 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.

Ranked #19 of 24 Software Development programs, Quinsigamond Community College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $36,412 show a 67% jump from the $21,803 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

There are 3 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Software Development, including Data Scientist (median $112,590/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.

49 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
38
Low End
49
Score
52
High End
Earnings $21,803/yr (-32% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (30% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (262,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$383K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
32.0x
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)
$11,948
Out-of-state: $21,836
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,235
10.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$36,412
67% growth from Year 1

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

What can you do with a Software Development credential from Quinsigamond Community College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Software Development career guide →

Compare & Explore

Software Development Overview

View all 24 schools offering Software Development →

Software Development at Other Schools

Madison Area Technical College ($65,191) Dunwoody College of Technology ($52,264) Hunter Business School ($45,301) Dallas College ($41,477) Minneapolis Community and Technical College ($38,262) Portland Community College ($37,572) Visible Music College ($35,734) Harrisburg Area Community College ($35,284)

Other Majors at Quinsigamond Community College

Nursing ($74,992) Allied Health Professions ($69,051) Dental Assisting ($66,252) Practical Nursing ($54,629) Business ($42,618) Business Administration ($42,028) Criminal Justice ($40,039) Human Services ($36,101)

Explore the Degree Alternative

Compare Software Development degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Quinsigamond Community College's Software Development program score?
A score of 49/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Software Development. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI affect Software Development careers?
Our scenarios model 70% of Software Development tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. Quinsigamond Community College's 49/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
Why are Software Development earnings lower at Quinsigamond Community College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Software Development program at Quinsigamond Community College?
Beyond Quinsigamond Community 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.
How many job openings are there for Software Development graduates?
The career paths mapped to Software Development have roughly 262,500 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 →