Computer and Information Sciences, General at South Texas College

McAllen, TX · Public · Associate Degree

with a mid-sized student body of 16,131 in McAllen, TX.

Program Analysis

South Texas College's Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates start at $26,755/yr, trailing the $38,485 national average by 30%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 38.8x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 30% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer and Information Sciences, General career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

A #102 ranking among 109 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs places South Texas College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 39% earnings increase from $26,755 to $37,259 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

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

58 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
47
Low End
58
Score
60
High End
Earnings $26,755/yr (-30% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (31% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$399K
8.6% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
40.6x
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)
$9,840
Out-of-state: $15,000
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$37,259
39% growth from Year 1

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 South Texas 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 does a 58/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Computer and Information Sciences, General at South Texas College?
A score of 58/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but South Texas College trails the majority of Computer and Information Sciences, General programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How vulnerable is Computer and Information Sciences, General to AI automation?
The 69% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is South Texas College a good choice for Computer and Information Sciences, General despite lower starting pay?
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.
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.
How many job openings are there for Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates?
With approximately 338,800 annual openings across mapped careers, Computer and Information Sciences, General offers a very large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →