Computer Software and Media Applications at University of Utah

The University of Utah's Computer Software and Media Applications program reports a starting salary of just $33,508—about $5,000 below the national median for this degree. That's a concerning gap for a tech-focused program in a state with growing software opportunities. The debt load of $23,250 isn't crushing by itself (the ratio of 0.69 means you'd owe about eight months of gross pay), but it's higher than 72% of similar programs nationally. When your earnings are in the bottom third nationally, carrying above-average debt becomes a real problem.

The state comparison offers little comfort. While this program ranks at the 60th percentile among Utah schools, that merely reflects how limited your options are—there are only 7 such programs in the state, and Utah Valley University produces nearly identical outcomes for potentially less cost. Meanwhile, Western Governors University's online software grads earn nearly triple at $95,000, highlighting just how variable outcomes can be even within the same state and field.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly year to year, but that's another red flag: limited enrollment often signals limited employer connections and career support. For a family investing in a software degree, this program appears to deliver neither the earnings premium of a strong technical education nor the cost efficiency of a budget option. You'd want compelling non-financial reasons—specific faculty, unique research opportunities—to choose this path over alternatives.