Software Development at Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, MO · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Computer Software and Media Applications
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings
$34,433/yr (-26% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (70% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (262,500 openings/yr)
ROI
6.3x earnings multiple
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 | $536K | $531K | $488K |
| Earnings Multiple | 6.4x | 6.3x | 5.8x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 80% | 71% | 41% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 40 | 39 | 44 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$84,400
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,804
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,275
46% growth from Year 1
About Lindenwood University
Lindenwood University accepts 66% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a smaller institution with 4,748 students in Saint Charles, MO.
See all programs and financial aid at Lindenwood 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
Compare & Explore
Software Development at Other Schools
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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Software Development at Lindenwood University?
A score of 39/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Software Development. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Software Development careers?
With 70% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $488,500 in decade earnings vs $536,158 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Software Development from Lindenwood University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →