Home › Western Governors University › Software Development

Software Development at Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Computer Software and Media Applications
76 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
77
Optimistic
76
Base Case
70
Pessimistic
Earnings $95,292/yr (106% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (70% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (262,500 openings/yr)
ROI 27.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #6 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 Software Development graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $974K $917K $713K
Earnings Multiple 29.4x 27.6x 21.5x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 77 76 70

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$33,200
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$41,768
-26% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,566
1.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $95,292 per year, Software Development graduates from Western Governors University significantly outpace the $46,351 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 27.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 27% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Software Development career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $12,566 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Western Governors University ranks #6 among 55 Software Development programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

About Western Governors University

with 135,822 students enrolled in Salt Lake City, UT.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Governors University →

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

Compare this program → View all 55 schools offering Software Development →

Software Development at Other Schools

University of Southern California ($103,071) University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ($98,117) Worcester Polytechnic Institute ($86,193) University of Phoenix-Arizona ($83,476) University of Phoenix-California ($83,476) University of Phoenix-Texas ($83,476) DigiPen Institute of Technology ($81,885) Rochester Institute of Technology ($69,052)

Other Majors at Western Governors University

General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations ($93,151) Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management ($92,416) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($85,861) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($84,242) Computer Science ($83,860) Medical Illustration and Informatics ($74,026) Health and Medical Administrative Services ($66,651) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($66,432)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Software Development trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 76/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Software Development at Western Governors University?
At 76/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Software Development at Western Governors University?
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 Western Governors University one of the best schools for Software Development?
Among 55 Software Development programs, Western Governors University's #6 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →