Computer Software and Media Applications at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design

Lakewood, CO · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
45
Optimistic
44
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,268/yr (-20% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (70% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (262,500 openings/yr)
ROI 6.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #33 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 $574K $565K $508K
Earnings Multiple 6.1x 6.0x 5.4x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 44 47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$94,880
Median Debt at Graduation
$31,000
10.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,598
47% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $37,268 place Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design below the $46,351 national median for Computer Software and Media Applications — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

A 6.0x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Software and Media Applications career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $31,000 against $37,268/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #33 ranking among 55 Computer Software and Media Applications programs places Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 47% earnings increase from $37,268 to $54,598 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design

a compact campus enrolling 1,878 students in Lakewood, CO. With 46% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design →

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 Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Software and Media Applications at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design?
At 44/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Computer Software and Media Applications programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Software and Media Applications at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design?
The 70% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design a good choice for Computer Software and Media Applications despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →