Computer Software and Media Applications at University of Washington-Seattle Campus

UW Seattle's Computer Software and Media Applications program shows impressive outcomes, but the limited data available—based on fewer than 30 graduates—means these numbers might not reflect the typical student experience. Still, what we can see looks promising: graduates leave with just $14,500 in debt, dramatically less than the $27,000 national median and even below Washington state's $18,875 median. Starting salaries of $47,112 match the state median while outpacing 66% of similar programs nationally, and earnings climb to nearly $58,000 within four years.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 is particularly noteworthy—graduates owe roughly four months' salary, making this one of the more financially accessible tech pathways. However, it's worth noting that specialized schools like DigiPen show substantially higher earnings ($82,000), suggesting this program may prepare students for a different segment of the software industry than traditional computer science degrees. The relatively modest starting salary compared to Seattle's tech giants likely reflects the program's broader "media applications" focus rather than pure software engineering.

For parents considering this program, the combination of low debt and solid earnings growth creates genuine opportunity, but verify that the curriculum aligns with your child's career goals. The small sample size is a real limitation here—a few outliers could significantly skew these figures either way. If your child is drawn to UW's reputation and the creative-technical intersection this program offers, the financial risk appears minimal.