Computer Software and Media Applications at Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
70 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
71
Optimistic
70
Base Case
64
Pessimistic
Earnings $69,052/yr (49% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (70% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (262,500 openings/yr)
ROI 4.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #10 of 55 Computer Software and Media Applications programs Top 25%

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 $966K $910K $709K
Earnings Multiple 4.2x 4.0x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 71 70 64

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$228,064
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$118,776
48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
4.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$99,801
45% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $69,052 put Rochester Institute of Technology's Computer Software and Media Applications program 49% above the national median of $46,351 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

The 4.0x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 70% task exposure — and the 27% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

With first-year pay of $69,052 far exceeding the $27,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #10 out of 55 programs, Rochester Institute of Technology's Computer Software and Media Applications program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $69,052 to $99,801 shows 45% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester Institute of Technology accepts 71% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 13,225 in Rochester, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $118,776 over four years — 48% below sticker price.

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

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 Rochester 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

How does Rochester Institute of Technology's Computer Software and Media Applications program score?
A score of 70/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Rochester Institute of Technology's Computer Software and Media Applications graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
How vulnerable is Computer Software and Media Applications to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Computer Software and Media Applications careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 70% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does Rochester Institute of Technology rank so high for Computer Software and Media Applications?
The #10 ranking out of 55 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →