Associate+1% vs national median142 grads tracked
Computer Software and Media Applications at Purdue University
Ranked 12th of 31 associate programs in Computer Software and Media Applications by 5-year earnings.
Median · 1 year out
$32,883
middle 50%: $22,704 – $44,568
Median · 5 years out
$51,223
middle 50%: $39,163 – $68,191
Median · 10 years out
$67,042
middle 50%: $48,182 – $92,628
Salary trajectory
Median earnings vs the national median for Computer Software and Media Applications (associate) graduates.
This program (median)National median, same major & degreeMiddle 50% of graduates
Median first-year earnings are $33k. Salaries reach $67k by the tenth year.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau PSEO, release V4.13.0 2025Q4. Earnings are for graduates working in covered states; figures are medians in nominal dollars.
Will the degree pay for itself?
Drag the sliders — payback uses this program's actual salary curve.
Assumes a 6.5% APR loan and this program's median salary trajectory (interpolated between years 1, 5 and 10).
Paid off in
8.3 yrs
≈ $10,029 total interest
Same major at other universities
Hudson Valley Community College
$59,848 · 5 yrs out
Portland Community College
$58,065 · 5 yrs out
College of Lake County
$56,406 · 5 yrs out
Utah Valley University
$53,107 · 5 yrs out
Kirkwood Community College
$52,354 · 5 yrs out
Iowa Central Community College
$52,165 · 5 yrs out
Orange County Community College
$51,223 · 5 yrs out
Richland College
$50,831 · 5 yrs out
CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College
$50,631 · 5 yrs out
Mt. Hood Community College
$49,582 · 5 yrs out
Hawkeye Community College
$46,571 · 5 yrs out
Dakota County Technical College
$45,751 · 5 yrs out
Other majors at Purdue University
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (Doctorate)
$219,424 · 5 yrs out
Mathematics and Computer Science (Bachelor's)
$162,085 · 5 yrs out
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (Master's)
$160,199 · 5 yrs out
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctorate)
$153,081 · 5 yrs out
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (Doctorate)
$152,803 · 5 yrs out
Health Professions and Related Programs (Doctorate)
$151,874 · 5 yrs out
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (Master's)
$148,110 · 5 yrs out
Engineering (Doctorate)
$141,828 · 5 yrs out
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctorate)
$135,976 · 5 yrs out
Health Professions and Related Programs (Doctorate)
$126,565 · 5 yrs out
Computer Science (Bachelor's)
$122,270 · 5 yrs out
Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians (Doctorate)
$122,253 · 5 yrs out
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