Computer Software and Media Applications at Florida Gulf Coast University

The unusual trajectory here tells an interesting story: while comparable national programs suggest starting salaries around $38,000, by year four graduates reach $89,000—more than double their entry point and well above Florida's state median of $47,000. That's a steep climb that puts this program closer to Florida Polytechnic's outcomes than to the suppressed early-earnings figure would suggest.

With estimated debt around $23,000 against that first-year baseline, the initial debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 looks manageable, especially given the strong year-four performance. The jump from $38,000 to $89,000 suggests graduates either land in high-growth tech roles or successfully transition into more lucrative positions after gaining experience. This four-year figure isn't an estimate—it's actual reported data for FGCU graduates, which provides more confidence than the early-career projection drawn from peer programs.

The key question is whether your student can weather those first few years while earnings catch up. The strong four-year outcomes indicate most graduates eventually find solid footing in Florida's tech market, but that initial period may require patience or additional support. If they can manage the early-career phase, the trajectory suggests this program delivers competitive mid-career results for a school with a 77% admission rate and moderate debt load.