College ROI

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General

Computer Administration Management And Security

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Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Computer Administration Management And Security.

Entry Level Salary
$56,275
Median Salary
$96,836
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
24.4%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $3,873,440
Entry (Early)
$56,275
Median (Prime)
$96,836
High (Prime)
$101,295

ROI Sensitivity Analysis
Assuming 4 Years to Graduation

This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.

Lifetime Value Added (NPV)

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
+49k
+380k
+416k
$25k / yr
-41k
+290k
+326k
$50k / yr
-131k
+200k
+236k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
38
25
25
$25k / yr
Never
29
29
$50k / yr
Never
35
34

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
$25k / yr
-38%
266%
300%
$50k / yr
-60%
92%
108%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
Important Note: Your ROI with any major will depend on the cost you pay to attend the program, and your starting salary. Both vary significantly across institutions. We encourage you to explore the ROI of a specific program variant by selecting the Program title of the credential level you are interested in. You will then have a more detailed return analysis for programs at specific institutions. We also encourage you to use the ROI calculator, or for more sophisticated analysis, the Guided ROI Interview, with your specific estimates of cost and salary.

Education Impact

Advanced Degree Rate23%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.

Top Professions

Information security analysts

10.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$72,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$102,650|$124,910
openings
16,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +28.5%

Software developers

7.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$83,300
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$112,550|$133,080
openings
115,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.8%

Computer occupations, all other

5.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$46,508
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$72,888|$108,970
openings
31,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +8.2%

Computer support specialists

5.5% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$46,708
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$62,475|$61,550
openings
50,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): -2.7%

Computer and information systems managers

4.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$88,506
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$106,190|$171,200
openings
55,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.2%

Management occupations

3.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$100,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$112,550|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%

Network and computer systems administrators

3.4% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$82,592
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$82,592|$96,800
openings
14,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -4.2%

Computer systems analysts

2.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$65,757
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$82,000|$103,790
openings
34,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +8.7%

Management analysts

2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$74,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$104,125|$101,190
openings
98,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +8.8%

Computer network architects

1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$89,669
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$101,625|$130,390
openings
11,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +11.9%

About this Data:

  • Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 27 and under (PUMS).
  • Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
  • Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2024–2034).

Program Variants & Earnings Ranges

Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.

Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.

Program TitleCredential Level# CollegesMedian Earnings Range
data entry/microcomputer applications.Undergrad Certificate40$60,225 - $60,225
data entry/microcomputer applications.Associate's Degree25$46,766 - $86,313
data entry/microcomputer applications.Level 992$42,541 - $42,541