Computer Software and Media Applications at Mount St. Joseph University

Starting at $38,000 in the first year—based on comparable software and media programs nationally—this Mount St. Joseph degree comes with an estimated $25,600 in debt, creating a manageable 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's actually better than the national median debt of $27,000 for these programs, and substantially lower than Ohio's state median of nearly $49,000. For a field that blends creative media work with technical skills, these figures suggest reasonable financial positioning, though parents should recognize these programs typically serve niche markets rather than the broader, higher-paying software engineering field.

The challenge is that similar programs in Ohio appear to produce lower earnings—around $32,000—which could indicate a tougher regional job market for this hybrid skill set. Software and media applications sits between pure computer science and digital design, preparing graduates for roles in multimedia development, application design, or digital content creation. These positions exist but are often competitive and concentrated in specific markets. Cincinnati offers some opportunities in corporate communications and healthcare technology, but the metro area isn't a major tech hub where these hybrid skills command premium salaries.

The estimated debt load is manageable enough that graduates aren't trapped if their first job doesn't pay as hoped, but parents should understand this isn't a traditional CS degree with clear pathways to $70,000+ developer roles. If your student is passionate about the intersection of technology and media and has specific career goals in mind, the numbers work. If they're hoping any tech degree automatically opens high-paying doors, that's worth discussing before enrollment.