College ROI

Smarter Choices, Brighter Futures
Back to Search
General

Computer Programming

Share

Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Computer Programming.

Entry Level Salary
$56,808
Median Salary
$96,000
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
24.0%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $3,840,000
Entry (Early)
$56,808
Median (Prime)
$96,000
High (Prime)
$104,271

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
+54k
+375k
+442k
$25k / yr
-36k
+285k
+352k
$50k / yr
-126k
+195k
+262k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
37
25
25
$25k / yr
Never
30
28
$50k / yr
Never
35
33

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
∞
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-33%
262%
323%
$50k / yr
-58%
90%
120%
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).

These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →

Education Impact

Advanced Degree Rate18.1%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.

Top Professions

Software developers

18.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$80,160
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$102,938|$135,980
openings
95,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.2%

Computer programmers

8.6% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$61,763
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$100,000|$100,390
openings
4,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -7.3%

Management occupations

3.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$60,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$105,041|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

Computer occupations, all other

3.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$42,874
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$65,000|$116,580
openings
27,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.1%

Computer systems analysts

2.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$84,575
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$86,893|$105,850
openings
32,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +7.9%

Computer and information systems managers

2.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$64,311
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$115,857|$175,140
openings
53,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.8%

Computer support specialists

1.9% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$40,550
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$76,000|$62,890
openings
48,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): -2.7%

Computer occupations

1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$90,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$111,472|$109,470
openings
280,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.7%

Elementary and middle school teachers

1.6% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$5,359
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$38,866|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%

Mathematical science occupations

1.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$64,311
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$64,311|$107,570
openings
36,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +25.3%

About this Data:

  • Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
  • Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
  • Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).

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
computer programming.Undergrad Certificate177$27,233 - $101,091
computer programming.Associate's Degree261$32,459 - $87,708
computer programming.Bachelor's Degree68$34,664 - $137,503
computer programming.Master's Degree10$84,866 - $179,964