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Computer Software and Media Applications at College of Charleston

Charleston, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,166/yr (-26% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (70% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (262,500 openings/yr)
ROI 8.1x earnings multiple (2.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #39 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 $412K $421K $425K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.9x 8.1x 8.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.8x 2.9x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 39 45

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,912
Out-of-state: $147,432 (2.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$78,072
-50% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,375
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $34,166 place College of Charleston below the $46,351 national median for Computer Software and Media Applications — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

At 8.1x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 70% task exposure — and the -3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $22,375 debt-to-$34,166 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #39 out of 55 programs, College of Charleston's financial outcomes for Computer Software and Media Applications trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About College of Charleston

College of Charleston accepts 72% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 10,366 students in Charleston, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at College of Charleston →

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 Computer Software and Media Applications →

Computer Software and Media Applications at Other Schools

University of Southern California ($103,071) University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ($98,117) Western Governors University ($95,292) 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)

Other Majors at College of Charleston

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($67,438) Information Science/Studies ($63,069) Finance and Financial Management Services ($54,634) Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences ($49,786) Accounting and Related Services ($49,702) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($41,402) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($41,299) Marketing ($40,723)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Computer Software and Media Applications trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does College of Charleston's Computer Software and Media Applications program score?
This program scores 39/100 — on the lower end for Computer Software and Media Applications. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Computer Software and Media Applications to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Computer Software and Media Applications 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 Computer Software and Media Applications earnings lower at College of Charleston?
Lower starting pay at College of Charleston 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 →