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Best Value Computer Software and Media Applications Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Computer Software and Media Applications programs reveal stark divides in both cost and career outcomes across the country. Atlantic University in Puerto Rico offers the most affordable option at $6,305 net cost but graduates earn just $15,552 annually, while USC commands $31,927 net cost yet delivers $108,649 in graduate earnings. The earnings gap spans nearly $93,000 between the highest and lowest performing programs. This disparity reflects the broader tech industry's geographic concentration, where California's Silicon Valley ecosystem drives salary premiums that can justify higher educational investments. Florida Gulf Coast University demonstrates the sweet spot many students seek, combining a manageable $10,319 net cost with $63,005 in graduate earnings. The field's connection to digital entertainment and software development means graduates often migrate to tech hubs like Seattle, Austin, and Los Angeles regardless of where they studied. Public universities generally offer better value propositions, though private institutions like Brigham Young University-Idaho break this pattern with competitive costs and solid career outcomes.
50
Programs
$6,305 – $58,628
Net Price Range
$40,571
Avg. Program Earnings
52.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Computer Software and Media Applications Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,131 $52,107 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
2 $10,319 $63,005 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
3 $8,463 $38,769 $6,270 40.7%
4 $15,529 $62,887 $16,400 30.0%
5 $13,571 $49,493 $9,552 19.5%
6 $15,171 $54,035 $12,810 31.3% 36.7%
7 $31,927 $108,649 $68,237 92.0% 12.0%
8 $13,726 $44,170 $8,834 56.0% 89.1%
9 $14,824 $45,715 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
10 $10,898 $29,685 $12,559 68.2% 88.1%
11 $13,945 $37,424 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
12 $13,853 $36,275 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
13 $28,979 $72,274 $27,375 56.5% 87.6%
14 $6,305 $15,552 $8,280 35.7%
15 $13,091 $31,236 $8,353 47.2% 96.1%
16 $17,365 $40,647 $10,142 52.5% 86.3%
17 $29,694 $65,387 $57,016 70.8% 67.2%
18 $13,485 $29,685 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
19 $19,988 $42,532 $23,324 49.5% 98.9%
20 $15,960 $33,446 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
21 $22,605 $46,478 $9,577 30.3%
22 $15,355 $30,771 $12,330 22.6%
23 $20,924 $40,512 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
24 $14,954 $28,598 $12,760 17.6%
25 $18,516 $29,487 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
26 $35,000 $55,512 $45,550 63.0% 55.7%
27 $19,725 $28,598 $9,633 49.3% 78.9%
28 $26,084 $37,208 $17,940 50.4%
29 $29,141 $39,009 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
30 $22,341 $29,887 $17,488 100.0% 33.3%
31 $23,250 $30,554 $40,065 41.1% 85.1%
32 $36,906 $48,432 $35,625 57.5% 74.5%
33 $28,037 $35,274 $23,720 36.5%
34 $34,978 $43,426 $47,146 75.5% 87.5%
35 $39,207 $48,432 $53,090 77.3% 83.8%
36 $20,913 $25,580 $19,430 39.3% 91.5%
37 $23,069 $28,212 $31,168 66.3% 86.7%
38 $39,778 $48,432 $28,024 40.5%
39 $20,319 $24,035 $13,420 27.6% 94.5%
40 $31,759 $34,963 $26,417 49.6%
41 $25,321 $25,967 $13,160 8.8%
42 $32,478 $33,281 $40,408 54.9% 83.4%
43 $33,742 $33,993 $16,450 44.9% 96.4%
44 $30,243 $29,887 $17,488 36.4% 50.0%
45 $30,878 $29,887 $17,488 36.9% 43.0%
46 $33,294 $29,887 $17,488 42.9% 40.1%
47 $58,628 $37,568 $49,140 74.9% 87.4%
48 $13,289 $11,764 92.3% 17.1%
49 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
50 $30,799 $22,480 34.9% 64.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings difference between Computer Software programs?

Graduate earnings range from $15,552 to $108,649, reflecting both program quality and regional job markets. USC graduates earn nearly seven times more than Atlantic University graduates, partly due to proximity to major tech employers in Los Angeles. Schools near tech hubs typically see higher graduate salaries, with Florida Gulf Coast University graduates earning $63,005 despite the program's moderate $10,319 cost. Geographic location often matters more than program prestige for starting salaries in this field.

How do public and private schools compare for Computer Software value?

Public universities generally offer better cost-to-earnings ratios, with schools like Florida Gulf Coast University delivering $63,005 earnings for $10,319 in costs. However, Brigham Young University-Idaho breaks this pattern among private schools, charging just $7,131 net cost while graduates earn $52,107. University of Phoenix represents the opposite extreme, with $13,571 costs leading to only $49,493 earnings and concerning 19.5% graduation rates. Private nonprofit schools typically outperform private for-profit institutions in both outcomes and value.

Is borrowing worth it for Computer Software degrees at these schools?

Debt levels vary dramatically, from $4,049 at Atlantic University to $43,911 at University of Phoenix. Students at Florida Gulf Coast University and Utah Valley University face reasonable debt loads of around $20,000 while earning $63,005 and $38,769 respectively. USC graduates carry significant debt but also earn $108,649, making repayment manageable. Schools with both high debt and low earnings, like University of Phoenix, present concerning financial risks for students.

Does graduation rate predict earnings potential in Computer Software programs?

Higher graduation rates often correlate with better career outcomes, though exceptions exist. USC boasts a 92% graduation rate and $108,649 earnings, while University of Phoenix has just 19.5% graduation rate and $49,493 earnings. However, Utah Valley University achieves $38,769 earnings with only a 40.7% graduation rate, suggesting program structure matters more than completion statistics alone. Schools with graduation rates above 55% generally produce better earning outcomes for their graduates.

Where can students find the best balance of cost and career outcomes?

Florida Gulf Coast University offers the strongest overall value proposition, combining $10,319 net costs with $63,005 graduate earnings and 56% graduation rates. Brigham Young University-Idaho provides another excellent option at $7,131 net cost with $52,107 earnings potential. Utah Valley University appeals to budget-conscious students at $8,463 net cost, though earnings average $38,769. These three schools demonstrate that strong career outcomes don't require premium pricing or elite admissions standards.

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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.