Computer Software and Media Applications at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

WPI graduates from this program earn nearly double what typical software and media applications graduates make nationally ($86,193 vs. $38,234), placing them at the 95th percentile both nationwide and within Massachusetts. That's a remarkable premium—these graduates are earning $64,000 more than the national median just one year out. Among the seven Massachusetts schools offering this program, WPI crushes the competition, earning 63% more than the state median of $52,782.

The debt load of $24,656 is manageable given these earnings, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29—meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under four months of gross income. This is far more favorable than typical software and media programs, which often see lower earnings with similar debt burdens.

The significant caveat: this data comes from a small cohort of fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary considerably. WPI's technical reputation and strong industry connections in software development likely explain why its graduates command such high salaries compared to peers in what's often considered a lower-earning tech field. For families who can afford WPI (note the low 10% Pell grant rate), this program appears to deliver exceptional return on investment, but verify current outcomes given the limited sample size.