Computer Software and Media Applications at New England Institute of Technology

The most compelling aspect of New England Institute of Technology's software program isn't the starting salary—it's what happens afterward. While graduates begin slightly below the national median at $36,893, earnings jump 62% by year four to reach nearly $60,000. That growth trajectory outpaces most software programs and suggests employers increasingly value whatever skills NEIT is teaching. Among Rhode Island's five schools offering this degree, NEIT ranks solidly in the 60th percentile, meaning three out of five programs produce lower earners.

The $33,000 debt load sits above both national and state medians, but it's manageable given the earnings growth. First-year graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.89—not ideal, but far from crisis territory. By year four, those earnings comfortably cover the loan burden. The real concern here is the small sample size (under 30 graduates), which means one or two outliers could skew these numbers significantly. A larger cohort might tell a different story.

For parents evaluating this program: the trajectory matters more than the starting point. If your student can weather that modest first year and you're comfortable with above-average borrowing, the four-year earnings suggest reasonable upside. Just recognize you're making this decision with limited data—NEIT's program could be a hidden gem or simply too small to judge reliably.