Computer Programming at DigiPen Institute of Technology

Redmond, WA · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree
75 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
77
Optimistic
75
Base Case
69
Pessimistic
Earnings $102,580/yr (73% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (78% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (162,300 openings/yr)
ROI 6.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #4 of 31 Computer Programming programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer Programming graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $1,091K $991K $739K
Earnings Multiple 7.3x 6.6x 4.9x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 67% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 77 75 69

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$149,600
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
3.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$120,534
18% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $102,580 per year, Computer Programming graduates from DigiPen Institute of Technology significantly outpace the $59,149 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 6.6x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

The 32% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 78% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Computer Programming graduates.

The median debt load of $27,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #4 of 31 nationally, this is a top-5% Computer Programming program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $120,534 are relatively flat compared to the $102,580 starting salary — typical of fields with stable but capped salary bands.

About DigiPen Institute of Technology

DigiPen Institute of Technology accepts 68% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a smaller student body of 1,032 in Redmond, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at DigiPen Institute of Technology →

Top Career Paths

Software developers $133,080/yr
Software quality assurance analysts and testers $102,610/yr
Computer programmers $98,670/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Computer Programming at Other Schools

Other Majors at DigiPen Institute of Technology

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Programming at DigiPen Institute of Technology?
This program scores 75/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Computer Programming nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Computer Programming careers?
With 78% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $739,230 in decade earnings vs $1,091,090 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes DigiPen Institute of Technology's Computer Programming program stand out?
Ranked #4 of 31 programs nationally, DigiPen Institute of Technology lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →