Software Development at Eastern Washington University

Cheney, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Computer Software and Media Applications
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
40
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,046/yr (-37% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (70% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (262,500 openings/yr)
ROI 14.5x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #37 of 55 Computer Software and Media Applications programs

Program Analysis

While the career paths listed represent the high end of the tech industry, your initial journey from this program may look different. The Spokane-area tech scene is dominated by regional businesses, government contractors, and smaller software firms rather than the global tech giants concentrated in Seattle. This means your first job is more likely to be with a local company where starting salaries are modest, directly impacting the early-career earnings data you see. The program's focus on "Media Applications" also suggests a curriculum that blends creative skills with coding, which can lead to roles in web development, digital marketing, or UI design at smaller agencies. To reach those top-tier software engineering roles, your key action is to aggressively pursue internships. A summer spent at a larger company in Seattle or Bellevue can provide the resume credibility and network needed to bypass the local market's salary limitations upon graduation.

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 $485K $486K $462K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.5x 14.5x 13.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.7x 4.7x 4.5x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 40 46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,412
Out-of-state: $103,568 (4.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$52,364
-57% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,296
8.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,920
51% growth from Year 1

About Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University accepts 92% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 6,517 students in Cheney, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Eastern Washington 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 Eastern Washington University

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 Eastern Washington University's Software Development program score?
This program scores 40/100 — 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 Eastern Washington University?
Lower starting pay at Eastern Washington 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 →