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Computer Software and Media Applications Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Computer Software and Media Applications programs nationwide deliver a striking cost advantage at public institutions, where students at CUNY Brooklyn College pay just $2,943 net annually while their counterparts at private schools face costs ranging up to $10,442. The 56% graduation rate at Brooklyn College matches that of NUC University, which charges nearly double at $5,732 net cost. Florida Gulf Coast University graduates command the highest starting salaries at $63,005, reflecting the state's growing tech sector driven by companies like Magic Leap and EA Sports. Meanwhile, Brigham Young University-Idaho offers an strong value proposition with a 95.56% acceptance rate and $52,107 median earnings at just $7,131 net cost. The field spans from traditional software development to emerging media applications, with graduates finding opportunities at gaming studios, streaming platforms, and mobile app companies across major tech hubs. Public institutions dominate the most affordable options, representing 10 of the 15 lowest-cost programs, while community colleges like Wake Technical provide entry points at under $7,000.
50
Programs
$2,943 – $15,960
Net Price Range
$40,168
Avg. Program Earnings
50.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Computer Software and Media Applications Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
2 $4,704 $6,970 52.2%
3 $4,783 $7,332 19.4% 81.8%
4 $5,732 $8,054 56.2%
5 $6,305 $8,280 35.7%
6 $6,935 $2,336 31.4%
7 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
8 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
9 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
10 $8,615 $4,200 24.7%
11 $8,624 $7,499 26.5% 82.1%
12 $9,899 $4,940 53.0% 56.0%
13 $10,097 $6,906 37.0%
14 $10,319 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
15 $10,442 $8,300 50.9%
16 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
17 $10,898 $12,559 68.2% 88.1%
18 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
19 $11,289 $4,305 33.5%
20 $11,889 $5,751 41.7% 87.8%
21 $12,832 $7,388 44.7% 86.8%
22 $12,840 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
23 $12,869 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
24 $13,024 $6,360 43.6% 55.2%
25 $13,091 $8,353 47.2% 96.1%
26 $13,172 $9,315 63.9% 89.1%
27 $13,289 $11,764 92.3% 17.1%
28 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
29 $13,571 $9,552 19.5%
30 $13,726 $8,834 56.0% 89.1%
31 $13,853 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
32 $13,879 $12,830 33.3%
33 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
34 $13,953 $7,392 25.4%
35 $14,207 $10,084 54.2% 78.1%
36 $14,459 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
37 $14,487 $6,496 82.2% 66.7%
38 $14,488 $8,862 52.7% 81.7%
39 $14,715 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%
40 $14,824 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
41 $14,832 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
42 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
43 $14,954 $12,760 17.6%
44 $15,001 $8,689 44.1% 94.9%
45 $15,171 $12,810 31.3% 36.7%
46 $15,355 $12,330 22.6%
47 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
48 $15,590 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
49 $15,693 38.5%
50 $15,960 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings gap between similar programs?

Florida Gulf Coast University graduates earn $63,005 annually while Atlantic University graduates start at $15,552, creating a $47,453 difference despite similar net costs around $9,000-$10,000. Geographic location plays a major role, with Florida's tech corridor offering higher salaries than Puerto Rico's market. The 56% graduation rate at Florida Gulf Coast also suggests more rigorous preparation. Program focus matters too, as media applications roles in gaming and entertainment typically pay more than basic software support positions.

How do public and private institutions compare for affordability?

Public schools dominate the lowest costs, with CUNY Brooklyn College at $2,943 and Wake Technical at $6,935 representing the most affordable options. Private institutions start higher, with Dewey University at $4,704 being the exception among mostly public competition. Brigham Young University-Idaho offers the best private value at $7,131 net cost with strong outcomes. The gap widens significantly above $8,000, where private schools like Western Governors University reach $10,442 while public alternatives remain available under $9,000.

Is a low graduation rate always a red flag for these programs?

Not necessarily, as graduation rates reflect different institutional missions and student populations. CUNY New York City College of Technology's 19.4% rate serves many part-time and working students who take longer to complete degrees or transfer elsewhere. Wake Technical Community College's 31.4% rate is typical for community colleges where students often transfer to four-year programs. However, Florida Polytechnic University's 53% rate combined with reasonable debt loads suggests a more traditional completion path. Context matters more than the raw percentage.

Does attending a lower-cost program limit career prospects?

Evidence suggests the opposite, with CUNY Brooklyn College's $2,943 cost producing graduates who compete alongside those from more expensive programs. Brigham Young University-Idaho demonstrates that affordable education can yield $52,107 starting salaries. The key lies in program quality and regional job markets rather than tuition costs. Utah Valley University graduates earn $38,769 at just $8,463 net cost, proving that state schools in tech-friendly regions offer excellent value. Employer focus typically centers on portfolio work and technical skills rather than institutional prestige.

Where do graduates typically find employment after these programs?

Graduates enter roles at software companies, digital media firms, mobile app developers, and gaming studios across various markets. Florida's concentration of entertainment and tech companies explains the $63,005 starting salaries for Florida Gulf Coast graduates. Utah's Silicon Slopes region supports strong outcomes for Utah Valley University students earning $38,769 annually. Puerto Rico's emerging tech sector provides opportunities for local graduates, though starting salaries like Atlantic University's $15,552 reflect the regional economy. Many graduates also work remotely for companies nationwide, expanding geographic opportunities beyond their program location.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.