Computer and Information Sciences, General
What Computer and Information Sciences, General Graduates Do
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.
Demand is soaring across the board, especially in high-growth areas like cybersecurity and data science. While starting salaries are strong, your earning potential grows significantly as you specialize, with experienced managers and senior developers commanding top-tier incomes.
AI assistants can now write routine code and identify common vulnerabilities, automating tedious work. This frees you to focus on the human-centric tasks that remain critical: understanding client needs, designing complex systems, and creative problem-solving. Your value will come from mastering these new tools to become a more effective architect and strategist, not just a technician.
Registered Apprenticeship Pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 2 registered apprenticeship occupations related to Computer and Information Sciences, General. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn — most have zero tuition costs and pay wages from day one.
| Apprenticeship | Training Hours | Type | Salary RangeSalary | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Data Scientist
RAPIDS 2079CB |
Competency | Competency | $83K – $112,590 – $156K | 33.5% |
|
It Project Manager
RAPIDS 1048CB |
Competency | Competency | $134K – $171,200 – $216K | 15.2% |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database (RAPIDS). Wages and job growth from Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034 projections.
Best Schools for Computer and Information Sciences, General
Top 20 of 109 schools ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click any row for full earnings projections and AI-proof analysis.
| # | School | Score | EarningsEarn | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wake Technical Community College Raleigh, NC |
87 78–89 |
$55,264/yr | 235.6x |
| 2 | Salt Lake Community College Salt Lake City, UT |
86 77–88 |
$57,428/yr | 133.9x |
| 3 | Durham Technical Community College Durham, NC |
85 76–87 |
$46,966/yr | 235.5x |
| 4 | Austin Community College District Austin, TX |
84 73–86 |
$49,032/yr | 125.9x |
| 5 | Wake Technical Community College Raleigh, NC |
84 73–86 |
$48,280/yr | 140.2x |
| 6 | University of Nebraska at Omaha Omaha, NE |
83 72–86 |
$58,750/yr | 91.5x |
| 7 | Salt Lake Community College Salt Lake City, UT |
83 71–86 |
$55,961/yr | 97.4x |
| 8 | Southeast Community College Area Lincoln, NE |
83 73–85 |
$55,738/yr | 93.0x |
| 9 | Northwood Technical College Rice Lake, WI |
83 74–85 |
$50,239/yr | 110.0x |
| 10 | Metropolitan Community College Area Omaha, NE |
83 71–85 |
$48,719/yr | 112.3x |
| 11 | Colorado State University Global Aurora, CO |
82 73–84 |
$61,737/yr | 72.5x |
| 12 | Durham Technical Community College Durham, NC |
82 73–84 |
$45,847/yr | 114.4x |
| 13 | Gateway Community and Technical College Florence, KY |
81 72–83 |
$45,428/yr | 96.6x |
| 14 | Front Range Community College Westminster, CO |
81 72–83 |
$45,174/yr | 107.7x |
| 15 | Tarrant County College District Fort Worth, TX |
81 72–83 |
$37,808/yr | 316.4x |
| 16 | Guilford Technical Community College Jamestown, NC |
80 70–82 |
$36,227/yr | 201.4x |
| 17 | Front Range Community College Westminster, CO |
79 69–82 |
$53,219/yr | 71.1x |
| 18 | Central Piedmont Community College Charlotte, NC |
79 67–81 |
$40,854/yr | 103.5x |
| 19 | Baltimore City Community College Baltimore, MD |
79 70–81 |
$38,858/yr | 116.3x |
| 20 | Davidson-Davie Community College Thomasville, NC |
79 70–82 |
$36,168/yr | 181.9x |
Highest Earning Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs
Schools where Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates earn the most in their first year after graduation.
| School | 1-Year Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado State University Global | $61,737/yr | 82 |
| Des Moines Area Community College | $60,163/yr | 78 |
| University of Nebraska at Omaha | $58,750/yr | 83 |
| Salt Lake Community College | $57,428/yr | 86 |
| Salt Lake Community College | $55,961/yr | 83 |
| Southeast Community College Area | $55,738/yr | 83 |
| Wake Technical Community College | $55,264/yr | 87 |
| Front Range Community College | $53,219/yr | 79 |
| Southern Careers Institute-Austin | $52,079/yr | 70 |
| Northwood Technical College | $50,239/yr | 83 |
Best ROI for Computer and Information Sciences, General
Schools with the highest earnings-to-tuition ratio for Computer and Information Sciences, General.
| School | ROI Multiple | Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tarrant County College District | 316.4x | $37,808/yr | 81 |
| Wake Technical Community College | 235.6x | $55,264/yr | 87 |
| Durham Technical Community College | 235.5x | $46,966/yr | 85 |
| Rowan-Cabarrus Community College | 210.1x | $34,853/yr | 79 |
| Guilford Technical Community College | 201.4x | $36,227/yr | 80 |
| Davidson-Davie Community College | 181.9x | $36,168/yr | 79 |
| Fayetteville Technical Community College | 173.6x | $32,154/yr | 77 |
| Wake Technical Community College | 140.2x | $48,280/yr | 84 |
| Salt Lake Community College | 133.9x | $57,428/yr | 86 |
| Central New Mexico Community College | 129.3x | $34,156/yr | 77 |
Related Majors
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Considering a 4-Year Degree?
Compare the trade route with a bachelor's degree. See how Computer and Information Sciences, General degree programs stack up on earnings, AI disruption risk, and ROI.