Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 suggests manageable financial footing for this program, but the underlying numbers tell a more cautious story. Based on peer programs nationally, graduates are entering the workforce near $38,000—reasonable for Ohio but modest for tech-adjacent fields. The estimated $25,600 in debt is actually lower than the typical $48,849 median for similar Ohio programs, which helps explain the favorable ratio. However, when you consider that comparable software programs can reach over $52,000 at the 75th percentile nationally, Findlay appears positioned at the lower end of earning potential within this credential.
The real question is whether "Computer Software and Media Applications" translates into genuine software development skills that command higher salaries, or if it leans more toward digital media work where earning trajectories differ significantly. With 197 programs nationally offering this degree and only 11 in Ohio, families should verify exactly what technical competencies graduates gain. The one Ohio program with reported data—DeVry at $32,159—actually shows lower earnings than these estimates suggest, though direct comparison is difficult without more complete state data.
For parents, the manageable debt load is reassuring, but first-year earnings in the mid-to-high $30,000s won't feel impressive if your student is expecting a traditional software developer's trajectory. Confirm whether this program leads to coding-intensive roles or positions in multimedia and digital content where these earnings would be more typical.
Where The University of Findlay Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer software and media applications bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Computer Software and Media Applications bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,646 | $38,234* | — | $25,603* | — | |
| $17,488 | $32,159* | $38,887 | $48,849* | 1.52 | |
| National Median | — | $38,234* | — | $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 The University of Findlay, approximately 14% 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.