Computer Software and Media Applications at Brigham Young University-Idaho

BYU-Idaho's software program punches well above its weight class. Graduates start at nearly $50K and jump to $71K by year four—that's 43% earnings growth and solidly above the $38K national median for this degree. Even more striking is the debt picture: $9,532 versus a $27,000 national median means students here borrow less than half what their peers typically do. That 0.19 debt-to-earnings ratio translates to roughly two months of first-year salary to pay off loans, compared to seven months nationally.

The trajectory here matters more than the starting point. While first-year earnings at BYU-Idaho land at the 71st percentile nationally, the real story is how quickly graduates climb. That $71K four-year mark suggests strong employer demand and career progression. The school's 97% admission rate and modest SAT averages show you don't need elite credentials to access these outcomes—the program itself appears to be doing the heavy lifting through practical training and industry connections.

For parents worried about tech degree costs spiraling out of control, this represents a rare combination: competitive outcomes with minimal debt burden. The moderate sample size means individual results will vary, but the fundamentals—low borrowing, strong growth, and above-average earnings—create a wide margin for success. If your child can handle the Idaho location and BYU-Idaho's unique campus culture, the financial case is straightforward.