Computer Software and Media Applications at University of Houston

Houston, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
49 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
50
Optimistic
49
Base Case
55
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,997/yr (-27% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (70% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (262,500 openings/yr)
ROI 15.1x earnings multiple (6.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #28 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 $600K $587K $521K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.4x 15.1x 13.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.8x 6.6x 5.9x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 50 49 55

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,844
Out-of-state: $88,764 (6.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,412
-43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,500
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,397
63% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Houston's Computer Software and Media Applications graduates start at $33,997/yr, trailing the $46,351 national average by 27%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 15.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Software and Media Applications programs nationally.

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 13% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $22,500 represents roughly 8 months of the $33,997 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #28 of 55 Computer Software and Media Applications programs, University of Houston falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $55,397 show a 63% jump from the $33,997 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Houston

University of Houston's 70% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with 37,175 students enrolled in Houston, TX. With 41% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Houston →

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 University of Houston

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 University of Houston?
A score of 49/100 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 $520,970 in decade earnings vs $599,539 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Computer Software and Media Applications from University of Houston?
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 →