Computer Software and Media Applications at Duquesne University

Pittsburgh, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
47
Optimistic
46
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,394/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (70% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (262,500 openings/yr)
ROI 3.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #32 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 $628K $612K $535K
Earnings Multiple 3.3x 3.2x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 47 46 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$188,584
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$139,912
26% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,950
7.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,678
47% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $41,394/yr, roughly in line with the $46,351 national median for Computer Software and Media Applications. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 3.2x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 70% task exposure — and the 15% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,950 debt-to-$41,394 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #32 out of 55 programs, Duquesne University's financial outcomes for Computer Software and Media Applications trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $41,394 to $60,678 shows 47% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Duquesne University

Duquesne University accepts 79% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 5,216 students in Pittsburgh, PA.

See all programs and financial aid at Duquesne 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

Computer Software and Media Applications at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

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

How does Duquesne University's Computer Software and Media Applications program score?
This program scores 46/100 — 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →