Computer Software and Media Applications at Wilmington University

Wilmington University's computer software program shows graduates earning above the national median right out of the gate—$46,211 versus $38,234 nationally—and carrying notably less debt than typical ($22,000 versus $27,000). That's the good news. The concerning part is what happens next: earnings actually decline to $43,675 by year four, a pattern that's unusual for tech fields where skills and experience typically command higher pay.

With fewer than 30 graduates in this dataset, it's difficult to know whether this earnings dip reflects the program itself or just quirks in a small sample. The graduates might be working in support roles or non-traditional tech positions that don't follow typical software career trajectories. The debt burden is manageable—less than half of first-year earnings—but parents should understand they're potentially looking at flat or declining income through the early career years rather than the growth curve most associate with software careers.

The program is the only option in Delaware for this specific credential, which limits comparison. For a student committed to staying local and needing an accessible degree path, the modest debt load provides some cushion. But if your child is considering software as a career, investigating why earnings trend downward here—and comparing against computer science programs with clearer upward trajectories—would be essential before committing.