Location: Redmond, WA•In-State Tuition: $37,400•Admission Rate: 68%•Avg SAT: 1295
Median Earnings (1yr)
$50,265
25th percentile
Median Debt
$28,209
4% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.56 ManageableSample: 39 graduates

Analysis

DigiPen's Human Computer Interaction bachelor's degree produces first-year earnings of $50,265—about $9,500 below the national median for HCI programs. That gap matters: nationally, this program ranks only at the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of similar programs elsewhere achieve better graduate outcomes. The debt load of $28,209 isn't excessive (just above the national median), yielding a reasonable 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio, but the relatively modest starting salary limits how quickly graduates can pay down those loans compared to peers at stronger programs.

Washington context provides an interesting counterpoint. With only two schools offering HCI degrees in the state, DigiPen sits right at the state median, placing it in the 60th percentile among Washington programs. This suggests DigiPen isn't necessarily underperforming its local market—Washington's HCI salaries may simply lag behind tech hubs like California or Massachusetts where most comparable programs cluster.

For families considering DigiPen, understand you're paying for specialized education at a niche institution where outcomes trail national standards but match local expectations. If your child plans to stay in the Pacific Northwest and values DigiPen's game-industry connections, this makes more sense than if they're aiming for competitive UX positions at major tech companies where peers from higher-ranked programs will command significantly better offers. The debt is manageable, but the earning potential suggests this isn't the premium program DigiPen's gaming reputation might imply.

Where DigiPen Institute of Technology Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all human computer interaction bachelors's programs nationally

DigiPen Institute of TechnologyOther human computer interaction programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How DigiPen Institute of Technology graduates compare to all programs nationally

DigiPen Institute of Technology earns $50k — 25th percentile among human computer interaction bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Human Computer Interaction bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
DigiPen Institute of TechnologyRedmond$37,400$50,265—$28,2090.56
California College of the ArtsSan Francisco$57,946$101,801—$27,1250.27
Savannah College of Art and DesignSavannah$40,595$83,500—$24,5000.29
Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook$10,560$59,722$81,573$20,5960.34
Full Sail UniversityWinter Park$26,417$26,924$38,757$33,4711.24
National Median—$59,722—$27,1250.45

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with human computer interaction graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Computer Occupations, All Other

All computer occupations not listed separately.

Web Administrators

Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications.

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.

Document Management Specialists

Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents.

Penetration Testers

Evaluate network system security by conducting simulated internal and external cyberattacks using adversary tools and techniques. Attempt to breach and exploit critical systems and gain access to sensitive information to assess system security.

Information Security Engineers

Develop and oversee the implementation of information security procedures and policies. Build, maintain and upgrade security technology, such as firewalls, for the safe use of computer networks and the transmission and retrieval of information. Design and implement appropriate security controls to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital files and electronic infrastructures. Monitor and respond to computer security breaches, viruses, and intrusions, and perform forensic investigation. May oversee the assessment of information security systems.

Digital Forensics Analysts

Conduct investigations on computer-based crimes establishing documentary or physical evidence, such as digital media and logs associated with cyber intrusion incidents. Analyze digital evidence and investigate computer security incidents to derive information in support of system and network vulnerability mitigation. Preserve and present computer-related evidence in support of criminal, fraud, counterintelligence, or law enforcement investigations.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At DigiPen Institute of Technology, approximately 22% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 39 graduates with reported earnings and 38 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.