Computer Science at SOWELA Technical Community College

Lake Charles, LA · Public · Associate Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General

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

Program Analysis

At $30,360 per year, Computer Science 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 Science career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

A #96 ranking among 109 Computer Science 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 Science 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 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

See the full career breakdown for Computer Science — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from SOWELA Technical Community College and 108 other schools.

Read the full Computer Science career guide →

Compare & Explore

Computer Science Overview

Computer Science 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 Science at SOWELA Technical Community College?
A score of 60/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but SOWELA Technical Community College trails the majority of Computer Science programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
Will AI affect Computer Science careers?
AI exposure of 69% is a real factor. For SOWELA Technical Community College specifically, the gap between optimistic ($320,486) and pessimistic ($317,634) decade earnings reflects that uncertainty.
Can you still earn well with Computer Science 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 Science through an apprenticeship instead of SOWELA Technical Community College?
If SOWELA Technical Community College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 2 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Computer Science. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
What's the job market like for Computer Science from SOWELA Technical Community College?
Job availability for Computer Science is strong — 338,800 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For SOWELA Technical Community College graduates specifically, local market conditions in LA may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →