Program Analysis
At $45,387/yr, Software Development graduates from Academy of Art University land near the $46,351 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 7.0x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.
Some AI exposure exists in Software Development's typical career paths, with 70% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 23% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $36,750 represents roughly 10 months of the $45,387 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
At #18 of 55 Software Development programs, Academy of Art University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $78,524 show a 73% jump from the $45,387 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.