Analysis
Peer programs in computer software suggest first-year earnings around $38,000, which puts Emmanuel's estimated outcomes slightly above Georgia's median of $32,000 but well below the national top performers hitting $52,000. The estimated debt load of $26,000 creates a manageable 0.67 ratio—meaning graduates would theoretically owe about eight months of first-year earnings. That's reasonable compared to other software programs in Georgia, where median debt approaches $49,000.
The challenge here is that these figures are drawn from similar programs nationally rather than Emmanuel's actual graduate outcomes. The school's small graduate cohort means the Department of Education suppresses specific data, leaving parents to navigate with estimates. For a technical field like software development, where specific curriculum choices and employer connections matter enormously, borrowing $26,000 based on peer-program earnings feels riskier than it might in more standardized fields.
If your child is set on studying software at a smaller Christian university, get Emmanuel to share employment specifics: which companies hire their graduates, what roles they fill, and whether the curriculum aligns with current industry demands. Without that concrete program-level information, you're essentially betting that Emmanuel's outcomes match the national average for similar programs—a bet that could pay off or leave your child underemployed in a competitive tech market.
Where Emmanuel University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer software and media applications bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Computer Software and Media Applications bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $23,664 | $38,234* | — | $25,603* | — | |
| $17,488 | $32,159* | $38,887 | $48,849* | 1.52 | |
| National Median | — | $38,234* | — | $27,000* | 0.71 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer software and media applications graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Database Administrators
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
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 Emmanuel University, approximately 30% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 55 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.