Computer Software and Media Applications at University of Arizona

University of Arizona graduates from this program start at $44,645—about $6,400 above the national median for Computer Software and Media Applications degrees. That's solid positioning in the 62nd percentile nationally, though Arizona's small market of just four programs makes state comparisons less meaningful. The real standout here is debt: at $22,715, graduates carry roughly $4,300 less than the national median and less than half what most Arizona programs charge. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51, most graduates could realistically pay off their loans within two years of full-time work.

The caveat is what "Computer Software and Media Applications" actually means at U of A. This designation can encompass everything from front-end development to digital media production, and the career trajectories differ wildly. A graduate heading into software engineering will likely see strong earnings growth, while someone in media production may plateau earlier. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests this isn't a massive pipeline program, which could mean more personalized attention but fewer alumni connections.

For families worried about tech degree ROI, this program offers a relatively low-risk entry point. The debt load won't be crushing regardless of career path, and the starting salary beats most liberal arts outcomes. Just make sure your student understands which specific skills and career tracks this program emphasizes—the title alone doesn't tell the full story.