Computer Science at UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ

Cranford, NJ · Public · Associate Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General

serving 7,760 students in Cranford, NJ.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $18,160/yr fall 53% below the $38,485 national median for Computer Science. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 28.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Science programs nationally.

The 40% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 69% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Computer Science graduates.

Ranked #107 of 109 Computer Science programs, UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $53,061 show a 192% jump from the $18,160 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

There are 2 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Computer Science, including Data Scientist (median $112,590/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.

50 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
39
Low End
50
Score
53
High End
Earnings $18,160/yr (-53% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (31% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$319K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
30.2x
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)
$10,560
Out-of-state: $19,000
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,061
192% growth from Year 1

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

Computer Science opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Computer Science career guide →

Compare & Explore

Computer Science Overview

Computer Science 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

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Computer Science at UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ?
This program scores 50/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Computer Science programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
How vulnerable is Computer Science to AI automation?
The 69% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Can you still earn well with Computer Science from UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ?
Lower starting pay at UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Computer Science program at UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ?
Beyond UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ's classroom route, 2 registered apprenticeships map to Computer Science careers — including Data Scientist. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Is there demand for Computer Science workers?
With approximately 338,800 annual openings across mapped careers, Computer Science offers a very large employment pool. UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ graduates enter a market shaped by ongoing digital transformation and technology adoption.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →