Computer and Information Sciences, General at Tidewater Community College

Norfolk, VA · Public · Associate Degree

serving 11,797 students in Norfolk, VA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $45,084/yr, edging above the $38,485 national average for Computer and Information Sciences, General — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

With a 41.4x 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.

At $13,230 in median debt against $45,084 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

A #54 ranking among 109 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs places Tidewater Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

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

70 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
63
Low End
70
Score
72
High End
Earnings $45,084/yr (17% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (31% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Year 1 Earnings
$45K
Reported median after graduation
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
41.6x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
14 of 14
Occupations with strong AI resilience
Program Tuition (In-State)
$11,428
Out-of-state: $23,434
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,230
3.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,942
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

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

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Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Tidewater Community College's Computer and Information Sciences, General program score?
This program scores 70/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Computer and Information Sciences, General nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
How vulnerable is Computer and Information Sciences, General to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Computer and Information Sciences, General careers outright, but it is likely to reduce job openings. We model 69% task exposure, which compresses employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Computer and Information Sciences, General at Tidewater Community College?
At $13,230 in median debt, Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates from Tidewater Community College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
Can I learn Computer and Information Sciences, General through an apprenticeship instead?
Computer and Information Sciences, General connects to 2 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
How many job openings are there for Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates?
The career paths mapped to Computer and Information Sciences, General have roughly 338,800 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Trade careers in this field benefit from consistent replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →