Computer Software and Media Applications at Northwest Missouri State University

Northwest Missouri State's Computer Software and Media Applications program punches above its weight, posting $51,790 in first-year earnings—about $8,700 more than Missouri's median for this degree and nearly $14,000 above the national benchmark. That 75th percentile national ranking suggests graduates are competing effectively with peers from larger programs, though the small cohort size (under 30 students) means individual outcomes can swing these numbers considerably.

The $23,250 in median debt represents reasonable leverage at a 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio, especially for a tech-related field where early career growth is common. Graduates are borrowing exactly at Missouri's median for this program while earning significantly more—a favorable combination. The higher debt percentile nationally (72nd) is less concerning when paired with the strong earnings performance.

For families focused on practical outcomes in software and media, this program delivers clear value relative to cost. The earnings advantage over other Missouri options is substantial, and the debt load is manageable on a $52K salary. Just remember that with such a small graduating class, these numbers might shift year to year—this isn't a massive program with predictable outcomes at scale. If your student is self-directed enough to make the most of a smaller program environment, the financial returns look solid.