Computer Software and Media Applications at Union University

Union University's computer software program appears positioned in the middle of the national pack, with peer programs nationally suggesting first-year earnings around $38,000 against estimated debt of roughly $26,000. That 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within manageable territory—you're looking at about eight months of gross income to cover the debt load, which is reasonable for a technical bachelor's degree.

The challenge here is context. With small graduate cohorts triggering data suppression and no comparable Tennessee programs reporting outcomes, it's hard to gauge whether Union's smaller, private Christian university environment translates into networking advantages or simply higher costs than state alternatives. The $38,000 first-year figure trails the national 75th percentile by nearly $14,000, suggesting this isn't a path to top-tier tech roles immediately post-graduation. Software development typically rewards skill and portfolio over institutional prestige, which cuts both ways—graduates aren't locked into low earnings, but they're also not getting an obvious credential boost.

For parents, the key question is opportunity cost. If your child is paying private tuition for outcomes that mirror the national median, what's the value-add? Union's 1243 average SAT and 47% admission rate suggest a solid student body, but you'd want evidence that career services, internship pipelines, or faculty connections justify choosing this over less expensive in-state options. The debt level is serviceable, but only if those first-year earnings represent a floor rather than a ceiling.