Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs β see details below.
Analysis
A bachelor's degree in software that leads to first-year earnings around $38,000 sits well below what most families expect from a tech-focused program. Comparable programs nationally suggest starting salaries in this range, but this trails the New Hampshire median of roughly $41,000 and falls far short of top-performing programs where graduates earn $52,000 or more. For context, Southern New Hampshire University's software graduates report actual earnings above $40,000βa meaningful gap when you're evaluating similar programs in the same state.
The estimated debt load of about $26,000 translates to a 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio, which on paper appears manageable. However, that calculation assumes steady employment and doesn't account for the fact that these starting salaries place graduates closer to entry-level retail management than to typical software development roles. With 42% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on strong economic outcomes to justify the investment.
The reality is that peer programs in this field show wide variation in outcomesβfrom barely livable starting salaries to solid tech-sector wages. Without actual data for New England College specifically, you're making a significant bet that their graduates will land closer to the national average than the bottom. Given the competitive landscape in New Hampshire and the availability of programs with documented stronger earnings, this requires careful consideration of what specific skills and connections this program delivers beyond the credential itself.
Where New England College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer software and media applications bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New Hampshire
Computer Software and Media Applications bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Hampshire (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $41,578 | $38,234* | β | $25,603* | β | |
| $16,450 | $40,882* | β | $28,252* | 0.69 | |
| National Median | β | $38,234* | β | $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 New England College, approximately 42% 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.