Computer Software and Media Applications at Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University's Computer Software and Media Applications program sits squarely in the middle of the pack—$40,882 first-year earnings slightly above the national median, with debt at $28,252. The 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates need to dedicate about 8 months of their first-year salary to pay off their loans if they're aggressive about it. That's manageable, though not outstanding. Within New Hampshire's small market of three programs, SNHU performs at the median, which tells you this is simply what this particular credential delivers in the state.

The real question is whether this program justifies its cost compared to alternatives. First-year earnings of $41K fall well short of what computer science or software engineering programs typically deliver (often $60K+), even though the debt load is similar. The 75th percentile nationally for this program reaches $52K, suggesting some schools are doing significantly better at placement or curriculum alignment with higher-paying roles.

For families considering SNHU's 96% acceptance rate and strong support for Pell-eligible students (47% of the student body), this program delivers accessibility and predictable outcomes. You're getting what you pay for—neither more nor less. If your student is committed to this specific credential rather than a traditional CS degree, the numbers work. But if they have flexibility, exploring programs with stronger earning trajectories would be worth the effort.