Software Development at Atlantic University

Guaynabo, PR · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Computer Software and Media Applications
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
30
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $15,617/yr (-66% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (70% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (262,500 openings/yr)
ROI 9.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #55 of 55 Computer Software and Media Applications programs

Program Analysis

While the career paths listed are high-paying national benchmarks, this program's outcomes reflect a different reality. The "Media Applications" focus likely emphasizes using existing software tools over the deep programming and systems architecture skills that lead to top-tier developer roles. Graduates are more likely prepared for entry-level digital media, web support, or IT helpdesk jobs within the local Puerto Rican economy, which doesn't command the same salaries as major US tech hubs. The curriculum may not provide the rigorous, engineering-focused training that recruiters from companies like Google or Microsoft seek. Your key takeaway should be to scrutinize the curriculum itself: talk to current students and recent alumni to understand what specific jobs they are actually getting, not just the ones the industry makes possible.

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 $289K $314K $362K
Earnings Multiple 8.7x 9.5x 10.9x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 30 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$33,120
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$25,220
24% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$4,049
3.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$22,205
42% growth from Year 1

About Atlantic University

a compact campus enrolling 1,517 students in Guaynabo, PR. 84% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Atlantic 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

Software Development at Other Schools

Other Majors at Atlantic University

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

How does Atlantic University's Software Development program score?
This program scores 30/100 — on the lower end for Software Development. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Software Development to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Software Development careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 70% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Software Development earnings lower at Atlantic University?
Lower starting pay at Atlantic University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →