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Computer Software and Media Applications at Purdue University Northwest

Hammond, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $21,532/yr (-54% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (70% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (262,500 openings/yr)

ROI 9.5x earnings multiple (5.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #52 of 55 Computer Software and Media Applications programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer Software and Media Applications graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$295K	$319K	$365K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	8.8x	9.5x	10.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.7x	5.1x	5.8x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	71%	41%
DegreeOutlook Score	37	35	35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$33,676

Out-of-state: $62,480 (5.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$33,852

-1% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Purdue University Northwest's Computer Software and Media Applications graduates start at $21,532/yr, trailing the $46,351 national average by 54%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.5x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

Some AI exposure exists in Computer Software and Media Applications's typical career paths, with 70% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a -24% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #52 of 55 Computer Software and Media Applications programs, Purdue University Northwest falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Purdue University Northwest

A 71% acceptance rate means Purdue University Northwest is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 5,786 in Hammond, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Purdue University Northwest →

Top Career Paths

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr

Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr

Database architects $135,980/yr

View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Computer Software and Media Applications at Other Schools

Other Majors at Purdue University Northwest

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 Software and Media Applications at Purdue University Northwest?

A score of 35/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Computer Software and Media Applications. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.

Will AI replace Computer Software and Media Applications careers?

With 70% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $365,063 in decade earnings vs $295,204 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with Computer Software and Media Applications from Purdue University Northwest?

First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →