Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $36,272/yr fall 22% below the $46,351 national median for Computer Software and Media Applications. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
An earnings multiple of 3.9x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.
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 22% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $27,000 represents roughly 9 months of the $36,272 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #34 of 55 Computer Software and Media Applications programs, School of Visual Arts falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $71,332 show a 97% jump from the $36,272 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.