Computer Programming at Texas State Technical College

Waco, TX · Public · Associate Degree

with a mid-sized student body of 9,153 in Waco, TX.

Program Analysis

At $32,473 per year, Computer Programming graduates from Texas State Technical College earn below the $41,895 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 28.9x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 23% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Programming career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

The median debt load of $13,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

A #32 ranking among 35 Computer Programming programs places Texas State Technical College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 29% earnings increase from $32,473 to $41,898 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

50 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
40
Low End
50
Score
54
High End
Earnings $32,473/yr (-22% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (22% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (162,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$440K
6.6% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
30.6x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
7 of 7
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)
$14,384
Out-of-state: $23,684
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,000
4.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,898
29% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Computer Programming graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Software developers $133,080 +15.8% 13%
Software quality assurance analysts and testers $102,610 +10.0% 12%
Computer programmers $98,670 -6.0% 5%
Software developers
$133,080
+15.8% growth 13% AI-proof
Software quality assurance analysts and testers
$102,610
+10.0% growth 12% AI-proof
Computer programmers
$98,670
-6.0% growth 5% AI-proof

View all 7 career paths with full salary data →

Computer Programming Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Computer Programming careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering engineering & technology.

Read the full Computer Programming career guide →

Compare & Explore

Computer Programming Overview

Computer Programming at Other Schools

Other Majors at Texas State Technical 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 is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Computer Programming at Texas State Technical College?
This program scores 50/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Computer Programming programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
How vulnerable is Computer Programming to AI automation?
The 78% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Texas State Technical College graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Can you still earn well with Computer Programming from Texas State Technical 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.
Is there demand for Computer Programming workers?
The career paths mapped to Computer Programming have roughly 162,300 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 →