Computer and Information Sciences, General at SOWELA Technical Community College

Lake Charles, LA · Public · Associate Degree

with a smaller student body of 2,979 in Lake Charles, LA.

Program Analysis

At $30,360 per year, Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates from SOWELA Technical Community College earn below the $38,485 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 37.3x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 1% 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 #96 ranking among 109 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs places SOWELA Technical Community College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

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

60 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
53
Low End
60
Score
63
High End
Earnings $30,360/yr (-21% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (31% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$320K
1.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
37.6x
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
$8,530

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 SOWELA Technical Community College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 60/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Computer and Information Sciences, General at SOWELA Technical Community College?
A score of 60/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but SOWELA Technical Community 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.
Can you still earn well with Computer and Information Sciences, General from SOWELA Technical Community College?
Lower starting pay at SOWELA Technical Community College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Can I learn Computer and Information Sciences, General through an apprenticeship instead?
There are 2 registered apprenticeships connected to Computer and Information Sciences, General occupations. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
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 →